Q. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?

Model Answer: 

Parliamentary accountability of the executive is a cornerstone of India’s democratic system. This response evaluates the effectiveness of the Indian Parliament in holding the executive accountable.

Mechanisms for Ensuring Accountability:

1. Question Hour and Zero Hour:
– MPs directly question ministers about government actions and policies.
– Platform for raising urgent matters of public importance.

2. Parliamentary Committees:
– Standing and ad-hoc committees scrutinize legislation, budgets, and policy implementation.
– Departmentally related standing committees enhance ministry oversight.

3. Debates and Discussions:
– Allow in-depth examination of important national issues.
– Provide opportunities for opposition to critique government policies.

4. Budgetary Control:
– Parliament’s power to pass or reject the budget checks executive spending.

5. No-Confidence Motions:
– Tool to challenge government’s majority and policies.

Effectiveness of Accountability Measures:

1. Successes:
– Regular questioning of ministers ensures transparency.
– Committee reports often lead to policy improvements.
– Budgetary discussions compel financial accountability.

2. Limitations:
– Disruptions in proceedings reduce time for meaningful debates.
– Executive dominance through ordinances and money bills.
– Anti-defection law may weaken individual MPs’ ability to dissent.
– Backlog of pending bills affects timely scrutiny.
– Party loyalties sometimes overshadow accountability duties.

Challenges to Effective Accountability:

1. Increasing use of ordinances bypasses parliamentary scrutiny.
2. Limited time allocation for private member bills.
3. Political factors often influence the effectiveness of oversight.
4. Lack of specialized research support for MPs hampers informed debate.
5. Media focus on sensational issues rather than substantive discussions.

Way Forward:

1. Strengthen committee system with more powers and resources.
2. Implement reforms to reduce disruptions and increase productive time.
3. Enhance research and technical support for MPs.
4. Promote greater transparency in parliamentary functioning.
5. Foster a culture of constructive debate and bipartisan cooperation.

Conclusion:
While the Indian Parliament has robust mechanisms for executive accountability, their effectiveness is often constrained by practical and political factors. Continuous reforms and political will are crucial to enhance parliamentary oversight and uphold democratic principles.