Disruptions in Indian Legislative Process

Union Home Minister at the All India Speakers’ Conference, emphasized the need for debates in democracy, highlighting the current disruptions in Assemblies and Parliament.

Current State of Parliamentary Functioning

• Frequent adjournments due to opposition protests have led to legislative paralysis.
• During a recent session with 21 sittings over 32 days, 15 Bills were passed with minimal debate.
• Analysis by PRS Legislative Research shows:
   
  • Lok Sabha functioned for only 29% of its scheduled time. 
  • Rajya Sabha functioned for 34% of its scheduled time.
  • Two-thirds of planned time was lost to adjournments.
  • Oral replies were provided to only 8% of starred questions in the Lok Sabha and 5% in the Rajya Sabha.

Dysfunction and Concentration of Power

• Lack of effective Question Hour has diminished executive accountability.
• Power concentration in the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers contributes to legislative dysfunction.

State Assemblies' Functioning

• According to the 2024 Annual Review of State Laws:
   
  • State Assemblies met for an average of 20 days in 2024, down from 28 in 2017. 
  • Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh recorded only 16 sitting days. 
  • Odisha and Kerala led with 42 and 38 days, respectively.
  • Over half of the Bills were passed on the same day they were introduced, with minimal debate.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Engagement between the government and Opposition is essential for meaningful legislative debates.
• Electing an Opposition leader as the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha could be a positive step forward.