Answer

A functional Parliament is crucial for effective governance, serving as the legislative body that ensures accountability and addresses national issues through debates. Parliament is often referred to as the “Temple of Democracy” emphasizing its pivotal role in representing the people’s will. However, recent disruptions and unruly behavior have hampered meaningful deliberations, diminishing the quality of debates.

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Why a Functional Parliament is a Prerequisite for Effective Governance

• Ensures Lawmaking and Policy Formulation: A functional Parliament is critical for enacting laws and addressing socio-economic challenges through debates and informed decision-making. For example: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was successfully passed after extensive deliberations in Parliament, which helped streamline India’s tax system.
• Serves as a Check on the Executive: Parliament holds the executive accountable through questions, motions, and scrutiny, ensuring responsible governance.
  For example: The opposition’s scrutiny of the government’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis ensured transparency, leading to government accountability in resource allocation and decision-making during the pandemic.
• Promotes Representation of People’s Aspirations: Parliament reflects the will of the people by providing a platform for diverse voices and regional concerns.
  For example: Debates on national issues like education and health in Parliament have helped shape policies like Ayushman Bharat, which are directly aligned with citizens’ needs.
• Facilitates Policy Scrutiny and Oversight: Through committees, Parliament ensures that policies and schemes are closely monitored and implemented as intended.
  For example: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) plays a crucial role in examining government expenditure, ensuring that public funds are used judiciously.
• Representation of Diverse Interests: A functional Parliament represents the voices of all regions, communities, and sectors, fostering inclusive governance.
  For example: Debates on tribal welfare programs during the Winter Session 2023 highlighted the concerns of Northeastern states.

Role of Parliamentary Debates in Ensuring Accountability in Indian Democracy

• Scrutinizing Government Actions: Parliamentary debates provide a platform to scrutinize government policies, ensuring that the executive is held accountable for its actions.
  For example: Debates on defence spending in Parliament ensure the government is transparent in how national security funds are allocated.
• Opposition’s Role: Opposition members leverage debates to challenge government decisions and demand explanations.
  For example: The Adani-Hindenburg controversy was discussed in Parliament, questioning regulatory oversight.
• Questioning Public Spending: Parliamentary discussions help question government spending, ensuring financial accountability.
  For example: The discussion on public sector banks’ performance and non-performing assets (NPAs) in Parliament led to measures aimed at addressing financial inefficiencies.
• Holding Leaders Accountable: Parliamentary debates help hold the executive accountable by ensuring that leaders justify their policies in the public eye.
  For example: Debates on environmental policies have led to increased accountability regarding the implementation of climate action plans.
• Strengthening Democratic Integrity: Parliamentary debates uphold the democratic integrity of the country by providing a forum for diverse opinions and critical evaluations.
  For example: Debates on social welfare schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) help refine such programs to better serve the population.

Role of Parliamentary Debates in Ensuring Transparency in Indian Democracy

• Public Disclosure of Information: Ministers must provide detailed explanations about policies and decisions, making government operations transparent.
  For example: Debate on the Data Protection Act 2023 clarified its provisions and implications for privacy.
• Revealing Government’s Intentions and Plans: Parliamentary discussions expose the intentions behind government policies, ensuring the public is informed.
  For example: Debates on digitalization in Parliament have clarified the government’s vision behind schemes like Digital India.
• Enhancing Public Trust: Open debates on critical issues increase public trust in government actions by ensuring that decisions are not made behind closed doors. 
• Improving Governance through Critical Review: Debates encourage the review and revision of policies that may not be transparent or effective, leading to better governance.
  For example: Debates on the National Education Policy (NEP) led to revisions that made the policy more inclusive and transparent.
• Encouraging Transparency in Policy-making: Debates allow opposition parties to demand transparency on sensitive issues, preventing corruption and abuse of power.
  For example: The discussion on the Rafale deal in Parliament highlighted the need for transparency in defence contracts.

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A well-functioning legislative body is vital for the prosperity and stability of any nation. The quality of discussions and decisions made within such a body directly impacts the lives of its citizens. The importance of the 3Ds—debate, discussion, and deliberation—is crucial in a parliamentary form of government, as it allows diverse perspectives to be heard, fosters informed decision-making, and ensures accountability.

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