Context:
Concerns have arisen regarding parliamentary norms and executive accountability after the Lok Sabha adopted the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address without a reply from the Prime Minister, an unusual departure from established parliamentary practice.
Key Highlights:
- Parliamentary Event
- The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks on February 5.
- Traditionally, the debate concludes with the Prime Minister responding to issues raised by Members of Parliament.
- Speaker’s Explanation
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla cited the possibility of disruptions in the House as the reason for the Prime Minister not replying.
- Opposition Concerns
- The Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, was not allowed to quote from a book by former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane during the debate.
- Critics argue that such restrictions undermine parliamentary debate and scrutiny.
- Debate on Parliamentary Norms
- The absence of the Prime Minister’s reply is seen as deviating from established parliamentary conventions that ensure executive accountability.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- President’s Address
- Delivered at the start of the first session of Parliament each year and after general elections under Article 87 of the Constitution.
- Motion of Thanks
- A motion moved in both Houses of Parliament after the President’s Address.
- Allows members to discuss government policies and programmes.
- Leader of the Opposition
- Recognized when a party has at least 10% of seats in the House.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Importance of Parliamentary Debate
- Parliamentary discussions ensure democratic accountability of the executive.
- The Prime Minister’s reply traditionally addresses concerns raised during the debate.
- Executive Accountability
- Accountability mechanisms include:
- Question Hour
- Debates and motions
- Committee oversight.
- Role of Parliamentary Norms
- Parliamentary conventions support transparent governance and effective legislative functioning.
- Democratic Concerns
- Limiting debate or bypassing conventions may weaken legislative scrutiny and democratic processes.
- Way Forward
- Strengthen adherence to parliamentary conventions and procedures.
- Promote constructive debate and cooperation between government and opposition.
- Ensure institutional respect for democratic accountability mechanisms.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper II – Polity: Parliamentary procedures and executive accountability.
- GS Paper II – Governance: Strengthening democratic institutions.