Prof D Mukherjee
Regardless of the economic system in place, the Government serves as a crucial entity within society. Its primary duty is to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, protecting citizens from persistent challenges and geopolitical threats that aim to undermine national security, both now and in the future. Historically, India has never initiated aggression or attacked any country, maintaining this stance from ancient times to the present day, despite facing multiple foreign aggressions since her partition in 1947. Beyond preserving the country’s political boundaries, the Government provides a multitude of services, including the justice system, contemporary education, police and fire protection, infrastructure such as highways, ports, and airports, and public welfare and healthcare and hygiene through hospitals and infirmaries nationwide. This list could go on indefinitely. While the virtues of the Government are commendable, it is crucial to remember that all these services are funded by taxes, the primary source of Government revenue. The Government itself does not generate money but supports the economy; it is not the economy’s engine. Instead, every Government should create opportunities and a conducive socioeconomic environment for its citizens. The people, through their work and tax contributions, are the true engines of a wealth-producing and welfare-generating economy, forming the cornerstone of a free and democratic society, a principle that applies to Indian polity as well. However, it is disheartening to note that the Indian Parliament often lacks statesmen and is populated by politicians who show little concern for the nation’s general well-being and welfare. This is evident from recent parliamentary proceedings, which have displayed a lack of reliability, discipline, and mature behaviours, as observed globally. The quality of debate, discussion, and parliamentary decorum has noticeably declined.
Any Government irrespective of prevalence of any type of economic system is the vital organ of the society. The first and foremost duties and responsibilities it discharges nothing less than protecting sovereignty and integrity of the nation and save the citizens from the insidious and ongoingly persistent challenges and geopolitical threats that are intended to jeopardize national security that are with the citizens and maintaining the same for the foreseeable futures uninterruptedly. India is well respected that she never foments any sorts of aggression or attacks any country since time immemorial ancient past to the days of modern civilizations although she has been prey of foreign aggression on several occasions during post partition, 1947. Besides, maintaining the political map of the country Government also provides much more, the justice system, education in contemporary framework, police and fire protection services, highways, ports and airports, welfare of the citizens and healthcare services by maintaining hospitals and infirmaries across the nation. The list can be extended further.
While it is noteworthy of every virtue of the Government, this is crucial to bear in mind that all of its services are the end outcomes generated from some form of taxes, the prime source of revenue. Government produces no money of its own but it is the support of the engine of the economy and it is not the engine itself. On the contrary, every Government should create opportunities and conducive socioeconomic environment for the people to work for the Government are the engine of a wealth and welfare producing economy and in generating revenue and providing taxes for the Government, they are the cornerstone of a free and democratic society and no exception is applicable to Indian polity. However, it is disheartening that Indian Parliament is void of the statesmen but simply politicians who are hardly concerned about the general well-being and welfare of the nation as is evidenced by the parliamentary proceedings, of late, lack of dependency, discipline and mature parliamentary behaviours noticed by the world. Quality of debate, discussion and parliamentary decorum is observed to be back seated.
In a democracy, the Parliament is a sanctum where elected representatives deliberate policies, debate laws, and address the nation’s pressing issues. Ideally, it is a forum of disciplined discourse, where respect for protocols and decorum underscores the legislative process. However, the current state of India’s parliamentary proceedings paints a starkly different picture. The functioning of both the houses of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, has increasingly been marred by chaos, indiscipline, and disruptions, raising critical concerns about the efficacy of governance and the follies of the political class. The Government, in its ideal form, embodies virtues such as accountability, transparency, efficiency, and a commitment to public welfare. These virtues are operationalized through well-functioning democratic institutions, of which the parliament is paramount. The Indian Parliament, when functioning as intended, is a powerful symbol of democratic governance, ensuring that laws are scrutinized, diverse viewpoints are considered, and the executive is held accountable. The essence of democracy lies in these debates and discussions, enabling a comprehensive examination of policies that affect millions.
To call a spade a spade, contrary to the highlighted ideal, recent parliamentary sessions in India have been characterized by frequent disruptions, unruly behaviour, and a blatant disregard for established protocols. Members of Parliament (MPs), irrespective of their political affiliations, have been observed obstructing proceedings, creating pandemonium, and preventing their colleagues from speaking. The Speaker’s authority is often challenged, and sessions are adjourned repeatedly due to disorderly conduct. The situation has reached a point where meaningful debate and constructive criticism have taken a backseat to political grandstanding and theatrics. Important bills are either passed without adequate discussion or are stalled indefinitely, causing legislative paralysis. This chaos not only undermines the democratic process but also erodes public confidence in the institution of Parliament. Every minute of parliamentary session costs the Indian taxpayer approximately INR 275,000 and even more against INR 2,50,000 in 2012. This staggering expenditure is justified only if the time is utilized productively, contributing to nation-building. However, with frequent disruptions, adjournments, and non-productive sessions, the financial burden on the public is not justifiable. Taxpayers’ money is being squandered on sessions that fail to yield substantive outcomes, exacerbating the disconnect between elected representatives and the electorate. The blame for this state of affairs lies squarely with the politicians who prioritize party politics over national interest. The tendency to engage in disruptive tactics reflects a deeper malaise within the political culture-an unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue and a preference for populism over pragmatism. The absence of a culture of respect and discipline within the Parliament is indicative of a broader disregard for democratic norms and responsibilities.
Restoring the sanctity and effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings requires instilling discipline and respect among MPs. This entails stringent rule enforcement by the Speaker, coupled with penalties for disruptive behaviour. Political parties must ensure their members adhere to decorum and contribute positively to debates. Strengthening parliamentary committees for detailed bill scrutiny away from political theatrics is also essential. These committees should play a significant role in the legislative process, ensuring well-considered and comprehensively debated laws.
The conduct of politicians is inextricably linked to the virtues of a functioning government. In India, democratic governance is undermined by the political class’s follies, reflected in the state of parliamentary proceedings. All stakeholders, including MPs, political parties, and the electorate, must demand and uphold the highest standards of discipline and decorum within Parliament. This will realize India’s democratic institutions’ true potential, ensuring accountable, transparent governance representative of the people’s will.
In every democracy, contentious issues are inevitable, and the strength of a democracy is showcased through quality debates and deliberations. Parliamentary procedures must evolve to allow political parties to set the agenda and engage in meaningful discussions. MPs often face interruptions and cannot complete their speeches, leading to wasted time. Despite the Speaker allotting time, citizens witness parliamentary chaos and increasing disruptions. In the 21st century, a technology-driven era, the lack of discipline and decorum in India’s Parliament is globally known.
In contrast, debates in parliaments of almost all the countries including politically trouble torn Bangladesh and Pakistan are commendable, with MPs listening attentively and allowing speeches to be completed during the regular parliamentary sessions or whenever they are held. Reflecting on the late 1950s and 1960s, Indian parliamentary debates were marked by patience and respect, with members listening attentively and waiting their turn to speak. Lawmakers must rise above partisan interests, avoid political squabbles, and use Parliament for constructive deliberations to create laws for people’s development and welfare, rather than settling political scores
(The author is a Bangalore based Educationist and a Management Scientist)
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