Measuring Quality of Our Sansad
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17 DECEMBER 2023
Parliament runs on procedures to be complied by the parliamentarians. All decisions are consequential to the entire population of the country. Some may affect neighbouring countries and non-residents too.
Hence, the parliamentary procedures and the participating parliamentarians must perform in the true spirit of democracy. These components have to fit perfectly to serve the higher goal of the Indian Constitution.
There are several ways to measure the quality of a parliament. The parameters include the effectiveness of its decision-making processes, transparency and accountability, public engagement and participation, and overall level of trust and confidence in the institution.
Periodically, the performance of the Parliament, as a whole, needs to be evaluated to keep the decision-making on track.
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There are several ways to measure the quality of a parliament
One of the parameters to measure the quality of a parliament is by evaluating its effectiveness in making decisions. This important parameter can be done by looking at the number of bills introduced, the amount of time it takes to pass, and the success rate of legislation.
A parliament that can efficiently and effectively process legislation will likely be of high quality. For example, the Indian Parliament had made 105 amendments to the Constitution since 1950, when the Constitution of India came into force.
The Indian Parliament's budget session for 2018 began on January 29 and ended on April 6.
The monsoon session began on July 18 and ended on August 10, while the winter session started on December 11 and ended on January 8, 2019. So, in 2018, the Indian Parliament worked for 69 days (~ 18%), including all three sessions.
Similarly, in 2017, the Indian Parliament worked for 76 days (~ 20%).
From 1952-1972, it worked for an average of 120 (~33%) days each year. On the contrary, the British Parliament meets for an average of 150 (~41%) days each year, and the United States Congress sits for upwards of 100 (~27%) days yearly. The Germans for an average of 105 (~29%) days each year.
Another way to measure the quality of a parliament is by looking at its level of transparency and accountability. It can be done by examining the availability and accessibility of information, the level of public participation in decision-making processes, and the level of accountability and oversight of elected officials.
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Another way to measure the quality of a parliament is by looking at its level of transparency and accountability
As of August 2021, the Indian government has passed a total of 207 ordinances since the year 2000 and together 705 since 1950. Ordinances are supposed to stop-gap temporary arrangements. It may not be considered purely accountable to the public but a tool to support the democratic process.
An open, transparent, and accountable Parliament is likely to be deemed of high quality.
The Indian Constitution empowers the President of India to promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
The use of ordinances has been a matter of debate in India, with critics arguing that it is an undemocratic practice that undermines the role of Parliament.
However, supporters say that it is a necessary tool for the government to respond to urgent situations and address issues that require immediate attention.
A third way to measure the quality of a parliament is by examining its level of public engagement and participation. It can be done by looking at the number of citizens registered to vote, the turnout rate for elections, and the level of participation in public consultations and other forms of civic engagement.
A parliament that can effectively engage and involve its citizens is likely to be considered of high quality.
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A parliament that can effectively engage and involve its citizens is likely to be considered of high quality
The overall voting percentage in the Indian general elections of 2019 was 67.11%. The elections were held in seven phases, starting from April 11, 2019. Similarly, the voting percentage in the general elections of 2014 was 66.4%,
900 million and 814 million eligible voters were expected to vote in the elections of 2019 and 2014, respectively, making it the world's largest democratic exercise.
The Election Commission of India reported a record voter turnout in these elections, with several states recording their highest voter turnout in history. High voter turnout is a measure of public participation and functioning democracy.
Finally, the overall level of trust and confidence in a parliament can also be used to measure its quality. It can be determined through public opinion surveys and other forms of research and can provide valuable insight into the public's perception of the institution.
A parliament trusted and respected by the public will likely be considered of high quality.
As of 2021, 205 Indian parliamentarians have declared criminal cases against themselves. It includes 146 members (~26%) of the Lok Sabha (lower house) and 59 members (~24%) of the Rajya Sabha (upper house). Out of these, 131 MPs have declared serious criminal cases such as murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women.
However, it is essential to note that the declaration of criminal cases does not necessarily indicate guilt or conviction, and some cases may still be under investigation or trial.
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As of 2021, 205 Indian parliamentarians have declared criminal cases against themselves
The issue of criminalising politics in India remains a matter of concern, and efforts are being made to address this through legal and electoral reforms.
Overall, people have trust in the system of Parliamentary democracy but are sceptical of their parliamentarians. Also, rarely do people read the text of the act. If they do so, people may probably have a different opinion about the Parliament.
By examining these factors, it is possible to gain a better understanding of a parliament's strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement.
It is vital to keep a close eye on the quality of our Parliament, as the quality of lives of 1.5 billion Indians depends on our Sansad.
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