ENHANCING PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT IN INDIA

GS-2: Polity and Governance

Key Points:

• India’s parliamentary oversight has weakened due to limited scrutiny by committees and the executive evading accountability.
• Standing Committees meet infrequently, lack follow-through, and their recommendations rarely influence policy.
• The article calls for “Maximum Accountability” alongside “Maximum Governance.”
• Proposes reforms like mandatory discussions of committee reports, enhanced research support, and technology adoption.

In-Depth Analysis: Declining Oversight:

• Tools like Question Hour, Zero Hour, and Committees exist, but oversight remains reactive.
• Committees face challenges like short-term memberships, limited technical support, and low political motivation for action.

Positive Contributions:

• Railways Committee: Suggested waiving dividends in 2016 to bolster finances.
• Transport Committee: Revised the 2017 Motor Vehicles Bill to limit third-party insurance and create a National Road Safety Board.
• Public Undertakings and PAC: Influenced defense spending and domestic production.

Reform Proposals:

• Publicize committee findings in local languages, with videos and visual aids.
• Require parliamentary discussions of DRSC reports with ministerial responses.
• Enhance MP support staff for deeper scrutiny of budgets and bills.
• Form cross-ministerial subcommittees for complex issues.

Technology’s Role:

• AI and data analytics can detect irregularities and provide real-time oversight dashboards.
• Bridges expertise gaps in legislative processes.

Scientific/Administrative Terms:

Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRSCs): Department-specific groups tasked with reviewing policies and legislation.

• Zero Hour and Question Hour: Mechanisms for raising urgent issues and ensuring executive accountability.
• Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Audits government spending for transparency.

Significance:

• Stronger oversight would enhance transparency, public trust, and democratic accountability.

Reinforces separation of powers and improves governance quality.