How does the Indian Parliament exercise control over the Executive? Discuss.

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Points to Remember:

  • Parliamentary Supremacy
  • Question Hour
  • No-Confidence Motion
  • Budgetary Control
  • Committees
  • Legislative Control

Introduction:

The Indian Constitution establishes a parliamentary system of government, characterized by a clear separation of powers yet a significant degree of interdependence between the Legislature (Parliament) and the Executive (Council of Ministers). The Executive, headed by the Prime Minister, is responsible to the Parliament, which holds it accountable for its actions. This accountability ensures that the Executive acts within the bounds of the law and in the best interests of the nation. The relationship is not one of absolute control, but rather a dynamic interplay of checks and balances designed to prevent tyranny and promote good governance.

Body:

1. Question Hour: This daily session allows members of Parliament to question ministers on various government policies and actions. It is a powerful tool for scrutinizing the Executive’s performance and holding it accountable for its decisions. Effective questioning can expose inefficiencies, corruption, and policy failures. However, the effectiveness of Question Hour can be limited by the government’s control over the agenda and the often-perfunctory nature of some responses.

2. No-Confidence Motion: The Lok Sabha (House of the People) can bring a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers. If the motion is passed by a majority, the government must resign. This is a crucial mechanism for removing a government that has lost the confidence of the lower house. However, the high threshold for success and the potential for political maneuvering can limit its effectiveness.

3. Budgetary Control: Parliament holds significant control over the government’s finances. The Union Budget, prepared by the Executive, must be presented to and approved by both houses of Parliament. Parliament can amend or reject the budget, thereby influencing government spending priorities. This control over public funds is a vital check on executive power. However, the complexities of the budget and the government’s expertise in financial matters can sometimes limit Parliament’s ability to effectively scrutinize the budget.

4. Legislative Control: Parliament’s primary function is law-making. The Executive can introduce legislation, but it requires parliamentary approval to become law. Parliament can amend, reject, or delay bills proposed by the Executive, thereby influencing policy direction. This legislative power is a fundamental check on executive authority. However, the government’s majority in Parliament can often lead to the passage of legislation with minimal scrutiny.

5. Parliamentary Committees: Various parliamentary committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Estimates Committee, scrutinize the Executive’s actions and spending. These committees investigate government policies and programs, identify inefficiencies, and make recommendations for improvement. Their reports can expose maladministration and corruption. However, the effectiveness of these committees depends on their independence and the government’s willingness to act on their recommendations.

Conclusion:

The Indian Parliament possesses a range of mechanisms to exercise control over the Executive. These include Question Hour, the power to move no-confidence motions, budgetary control, legislative powers, and the oversight functions of parliamentary committees. While these mechanisms are crucial for ensuring accountability and good governance, their effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as the government’s majority in Parliament, the political climate, and the capacity of Parliamentarians to effectively utilize these tools. Strengthening parliamentary committees, promoting transparency in government operations, and empowering individual MPs to effectively scrutinize the Executive are crucial for enhancing parliamentary control. A truly robust parliamentary system requires a commitment from all stakeholders to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society. This holistic approach ensures the continued vitality of India’s democratic institutions and fosters sustainable development aligned with constitutional values.

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