The article stresses the need to revive and strengthen parliamentary oversight in India to uphold accountability and transparency in governance.

Historical Background

• Framing the Constitution: The Constituent Assembly met for 167 days over nearly three years to draft the Constitution of India.
• Debating Governance Models: One key debate was the form of government India should adopt.
• Ambedkar’s Support for Parliamentary Democracy: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar defended the Parliamentary system, stating it provides more responsibility and less stability, which is vital for a healthy democracy.
• Mechanisms of Accountability: He highlighted daily accountability through Parliament debates and periodic accountability through elections.

Need for Legislative Oversight

• Erosion of Legislative Oversight: The Constitution provides for checks and balances, but actual oversight by Parliament has weakened.
• Governance vs. Transparency: Efficiency must not come at the cost of transparency.
• Call for Stronger Accountability: For “Maximum Governance,” India must ensure “Maximum Accountability” through a robust Parliament.

Parliamentary Oversight Mechanisms

• Mechanisms include: 
  • Question Hour
  • Zero Hour
  • Standing Committees
• These allow MPs to ask questions, gather information, and move no-confidence motions.

Decline in Effectiveness

• Question Hour has become ineffective due to frequent disruptions and adjournments.
  • During the 17th Lok Sabha, it functioned for:
    • 60% of scheduled time in Lok Sabha
    • 52% in Rajya Sabha
• MPs often ask isolated questions without a comprehensive review of interlinked issues.

Issues with Standing Committees

• DRSCs produce detailed policy reports, but:
  • Their findings are rarely debated in Parliament.
  • Stakeholder consultations are often limited.
  • Committees are temporary, restricting institutional expertise.

Examples of Effective Oversight

• Railways Committee (2015): Recommended waiving dividend payments; Implemented in 2016.
• Transport Committee (2017): Influenced Motor Vehicles Bill; created Road Safety Board.
• Public Undertakings Committee: Improved project clearance timelines for highways.
• Estimates Committee: Advocated for domestic uranium production.
• Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
  • Exposed CWG corruption (2010)
  • 180 recommendations/year, 80% accepted by the government.

Need for Post-Legislative Scrutiny

• India lacks formal mechanisms to track law implementation.
• Proposed reforms:
• • Subcommittees or a new body to review laws post-implementation.
  • Follow the UK model: Departmental reviews of laws within 3–5 years; Reviewed by Parliament.

Need of the Hour

• Strengthening Committees:
  • Make findings accessible via:
    • Local language translations
    • Visual explainers
    • Short videos
  • Select committee reports should be debated on the floor, with mandatory ministerial responses.
  • Provide committees with technical and research support, not just clerical assistance.
• Leveraging Technology:
  • MPs lack dedicated research staff; struggle with complex data.
  • Use AI and data analytics to:
    • Flag irregularities
    • Track trends
    • Frame sharper questions
• Vision for Oversight:
  • K.R. Narayanan (1993): Standing Committees aim to strengthen administration, not weaken it.
  • Strengthening oversight upholds the democratic mandate — ensuring a government that is truly:
    • Of the people
    • By the people
    • For the people

Conclusion

• Strengthening parliamentary oversight is crucial for ensuring accountability and transparency in governance, making it essential for maintaining a healthy democracy in India.

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