To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?
The Indian Parliament, as the supreme legislative body, is constitutionally mandated to ensure executive accountability. It employs various mechanisms for this purpose. The Question Hour and Zero Hour allow members to seek information and raise critical issues. Motions like the Censure Motion and the ultimate No-Confidence Motion are powerful tools to assess government confidence. Parliamentary Committees, both standing and ad-hoc, meticulously scrutinize bills, budgets, and departmental policies, holding ministries to account. Debates on policy matters and budgetary grants also serve this function.
However, the extent of this accountability is often limited. Strong party discipline and the whip system often stifle independent questioning from ruling party members. A majority government can easily push through legislation or bypass rigorous scrutiny, especially when faced with frequent house disruptions or time constraints. The increasing use of ordinances also circumvents detailed parliamentary debate. While committees do valuable work, their recommendations are not always binding, and executive cooperation can vary. Thus, while robust mechanisms exist, their effectiveness is frequently challenged by political realities and procedural limitations.
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Important Questions from GS2
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Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?
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Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.
