1. How does e-Governance improve service delivery and transparency in India? How can it boost citizen participation in governance?
Introduction
E-governance, leveraging electronic communication technologies to enhance government efficiency, has profoundly reshaped India's governance landscape. It plays a pivotal role in improving service delivery, transparency, and fostering citizen participation.
Role of e-Governance in Improving Service Delivery and Transparency
Improving Service Delivery: E-governance initiatives such as Digital India and the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) have revolutionized service delivery by digitizing government processes. This transformation has streamlined administrative procedures, minimized bureaucratic delays, and enhanced the accessibility of services to citizens nationwide. For instance, platforms like DigiLocker facilitate secure storage and sharing of documents, reducing paperwork and speeding up service delivery.
Enhancing Transparency: E-governance promotes transparency by digitizing government operations and making information readily accessible to the public. Initiatives like the Right to Information (RTI) Online Portal empower citizens to access government records and promote accountability. Furthermore, eProcurement systems have made government procurement more transparent, curbing corruption and ensuring fair competition among vendors.
How it Can Enhance Citizen Participation in Governance
- Facilitating Citizen Participation:
E-governance platforms provide avenues for citizens to actively participate in governance. Online grievance redressal portals enable citizens to lodge complaints and track their resolution status efficiently. Social media and mobile applications are increasingly used for citizen engagement, allowing real-time feedback and interaction with government authorities.
- Strengthening Democratic Processes:
E-governance strengthens democratic processes by promoting inclusivity and civic engagement. Innovations like online voting systems, though nascent in India, hold promise in increasing voter turnout and making the electoral process more accessible. Aadhaar, India's biometric identification system, has revolutionized service delivery by reducing duplicity in welfare programs and ensuring targeted benefits reach intended beneficiaries promptly.
- Bridging the Urban-Rural Digital Divide:
E-governance initiatives bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas. Common Service Centres (CSCs) bring essential services like banking, healthcare, and government document issuance to rural communities, overcoming infrastructural barriers through digital accessibility.
Conclusion
E-governance stands as a transformative force in India, enhancing service delivery, transparency, and citizen participation. By leveraging technology to streamline processes, improve transparency, and engage citizens actively in governance, e-governance has the potential to revolutionize governance outcomes and bolster democratic institutions. As India continues to advance technologically, integrating e-governance more deeply into administrative frameworks promises to foster a more inclusive, accountable, and responsive governance system.
2. How can e-governance promote economic inclusiveness and drive social transformation in India?
E-Governance: Driving Economic Inclusiveness and Social Transformation in India
Introduction
E-Governance refers to the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government services. It aims to foster 'Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive, and transparent' (SMART) governance, thereby promoting inclusive growth and equitable distribution of prosperity across society. This approach is pivotal in advancing socio-economic development and sustainable progress for all segments of the population in India.
Economic Dimensions of E-Governance
- Revival of Agriculture Sector:
One of the significant applications of e-governance in India has been the digitization of land records through initiatives like the Bhoomi Rashi portal. This digital transformation has empowered farmers by providing them with accurate and accessible land ownership records, facilitating easier access to credit and agricultural subsidies. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have further enhanced productivity by enabling precision farming techniques that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- Financial Literacy and Inclusion:
E-governance initiatives such as PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan) aim to enhance digital literacy, ensuring that every family has at least one member proficient in digital skills. The Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) has revolutionized financial inclusion by providing secure and efficient banking services and promoting digital payments across the country. Innovations like BHIM-UPI and Bharat QR Code have further accelerated the adoption of digital transactions, fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
- Quality Employment Opportunities:
Platforms like the UMANG mobile application integrate various government services, making them accessible through a single interface. Additionally, the digitization of records by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has empowered employees by enabling them to monitor their pension contributions and ensure the security of their funds. These initiatives contribute to economic inclusiveness by enhancing transparency and efficiency in employment-related services.
Social Dimensions of E-Governance
- Affordable Education:
The National Scholarship Portal serves as a unified platform for students to apply for multiple scholarship schemes, streamlining the application process and ensuring timely disbursal of funds through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) offered on platforms like SWAYAM provide accessible and affordable educational opportunities, promoting lifelong learning and skill development across diverse demographics. The National Knowledge Network (NKN) facilitates knowledge sharing and collaborative research among institutions, bridging educational disparities.
- Quality Healthcare Access:
E-governance initiatives like e-Hospital and the 'Mera Aspataal' application have modernized healthcare delivery by automating hospital management processes and enabling patients to provide feedback on service quality. These advancements enhance healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and transparency, ensuring responsive and patient-centric healthcare services.
- Inclusion of Marginalized Sections:
Technological innovations such as Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA), a screen reading software available in multiple Indian languages, promote digital accessibility for differently-abled individuals. Initiatives like Jeevan Pramaan facilitate pensioners in submitting their life certificates digitally, reducing bureaucratic hassles and ensuring timely disbursal of pensions.
- Facilitating Participatory Governance:
Platforms like the MyGov portal promote participatory governance by enabling citizens to engage directly with government policies, initiatives, and feedback mechanisms. Real-time governance initiatives in states like Andhra Pradesh monitor citizen grievances and infrastructure projects, leveraging technology to ensure efficient service delivery and accountability.
Conclusion
The Digital India programme exemplifies India's commitment to leveraging digital technologies for inclusive growth and transformative governance. Egovernance initiatives have not only streamlined administrative processes but also empowered citizens by enhancing accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in public service delivery. Moving forward, the focus should remain on fostering citizen participation and empowerment through sustainable and transformative technological interventions. By embracing digital empowerment, India can realize the vision of 'Maximum Governance, Minimum Government,' ensuring equitable socio-economic development and fostering a participatory democracy.
3. Explain how the Public Distribution System (PDS) contributes to reducing poverty and ensuring food security in India?
Introduction
What is PDS and What are Its Objectives?
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is one of the largest welfare programs implemented by the Indian government. Its primary objective is to provide food security to the poorer sections of society by distributing essential commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene at subsidized rates. Additionally, PDS supports farmers by ensuring they receive remunerative prices for their produce. The overarching goals of PDS are to alleviate poverty, enhance food security, and stabilize food prices.
Body
Working of PDS and Its Role in Poverty Reduction
The PDS operates through a network of Fair Price Shops (FPS) across the country, where eligible families can purchase subsidized food grains. The system is jointly managed by the Central and State Governments, with specific roles and responsibilities:
- Central Government:
Allocates food grains and other essential commodities to the states and union territories. It also decides the minimum support price for procurement from farmers.
- State Governments:
Handle the identification of eligible families, issue ration cards, and manage the distribution network through FPS.
Key Responsibilities and Functions
- 1. Allocation of Commodities:
The central government allocates essential commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene to states and union territories based on their requirements and population.
- 2. Issue of Ration Cards:
State governments issue ration cards to families living below the poverty line (BPL), above the poverty line (APL), and other economically weaker sections to ensure they can access the benefits of PDS.
- 3. Identification of Beneficiaries:
States are responsible for identifying and categorizing families based on their economic status to ensure that subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries.
- 4. Management of Food Scarcity:
PDS helps manage food scarcity and ensure equitable distribution of food grains during periods of shortage
Transition to Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
In 1997, the PDS was restructured into the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. The TPDS focuses specifically on families below the poverty line (BPL) while continuing to support other economically weaker sections.
- Identification of the Poor:
TPDS emphasizes the accurate identification of poor households to ensure they receive the benefits.
- Improved Delivery Mechanisms:
TPDS aims to streamline the distribution process to minimize leakages and inefficiencies, ensuring that food grains reach the intended beneficiaries.
Impact on Poverty Reduction
The expanded access to PDS has significantly contributed to poverty reduction and improved food security in India. The program's effectiveness in addressing hunger and malnutrition has been notable, particularly in rural areas.
- Reduction in Poverty Rates:
Between 2011 and 2012, the PDS contributed to a 3.1% reduction in overall poverty rates, with a 3.8% reduction in rural areas and a 1.4% reduction in urban areas.
- Enhanced Food Security:
By providing subsidized food grains, PDS has improved the nutritional status of millions of low-income families, thereby contributing to better health outcomes and economic stability.
Conclusion
Strengthening the PDS System
To further enhance the effectiveness of the PDS, several measures can be undertaken:
- 1. Capacity Building and Training:
Strengthening the existing PDS system through capacity building and training of the implementing authorities can help in better management and distribution of resources.
- 2. Plugging Leakages:
Efforts to minimize leakages through technological solutions such as digitization, biometric authentication, and real-time monitoring can enhance the transparency and efficiency of the system.
- 3. Public Participation:
Increasing public participation through social audits and the involvement of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Cooperatives, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can ensure greater transparency and accountability at the ground level.
Enhanced Effectiveness through Technology
The use of technology-based solutions has shown significant improvements in some states. By adopting these best practices nationwide, the PDS can achieve higher efficiency, reduce corruption, and ensure that the benefits reach the most vulnerable sections of society
In conclusion, the Public Distribution System plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation and food security in India. Strengthening the system through capacity building, technological interventions, and increased public participation will ensure its continued success in supporting the country's poorest citizens.
4. What are the major issues and challenges faced by the healthcare system in rural areas?
Introduction
Present Situation of Rural Healthcare in India
In India, there is a significant disparity in the distribution of healthcare infrastructure between urban and rural areas. Approximately 75% of the healthcare facilities are concentrated in urban regions, which are home to only 27% of the population. Consequently, the remaining 73% of the population, residing in rural areas, lacks adequate access to primary healthcare services. The rural healthcare system in India is primarily based on primary health care, aiming to provide preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services through a three-tier infrastructure comprising Sub Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs). Despite these efforts, the rural healthcare scenario has not seen significant improvement over the past decade.
Body
Problems in Rural Healthcare System in India
Infrastructure
One of the primary challenges in rural healthcare is the inadequacy of infrastructure. Many existing healthcare centres are under-financed, equipped with substandard equipment, and suffer from a shortage of medicines and qualified personnel. Additionally, poor infrastructure such as underdeveloped roads, inadequate railway systems, and unreliable power supply hampers the establishment and operation of healthcare facilities in rural areas.
Doctor, Patient, and Nurse Ratios
The rural healthcare system faces a severe shortage of medical professionals. The doctor-to-patient and nurse-to-doctor ratios are alarmingly low, which impacts the quality of care. The three-tier infrastructure, comprising Sub Centres, PHCs, and CHCs, is particularly strained. According to a report by India Spend, PHCs face a shortage of over 3,000 doctors, with the deficit increasing by 200% over the last decade to 27,421. This shortage means patients often do not receive timely medical attention.
Insurance
Insurance coverage is another critical issue. India has one of the lowest per capita healthcare expenditures globally, with the government contributing only about 32% to health insurance. This insufficient insurance coverage leaves many rural inhabitants vulnerable to high medical costs, further exacerbating their financial hardships.
Affordability
The cost of healthcare services is another significant barrier. Many rural residents cannot afford private hospital services, and technological advancements have driven up healthcare costs. The high expenses associated with diagnostic facilities and additional commissioned charges make it challenging for rural populations to access necessary medical care.
Lack of Awareness
Awareness about healthcare is grossly inadequate in rural areas. Many people lack basic knowledge about sanitation, health, nutrition, hygiene, healthcare policies, and the importance of medical services. This lack of awareness prevents them from seeking timely and appropriate medical attention and from understanding their rights and available financial support options.
Lack of Medical Stores
The availability of medicines in rural areas is sporadic and unreliable. Basic medicines are often in short supply, and fair price shops (PPP model) are primarily located in tertiary and secondary care hospitals. The pricing at these shops varies significantly, with discounts ranging from 50% to 70% on the same medicine, creating inconsistencies and accessibility issues for rural patients.
Conclusion
Strengthening the Rural Healthcare System
To address these challenges, several measures can be taken:
- 1. Medical Education and Training:
: Medical colleges should encourage students to spend time in rural areas to understand the healthcare needs of underserved populations. Mandatory rural service for government doctors before their first promotion can ensure a more equitable distribution of healthcare services.
- 2. Sensitivity Training:
Young doctors working at the grassroots level need to be sensitized to the needs of patients and their families, fostering a more empathetic approach to rural healthcare.
- 3. Public-Private Partnerships:
The private sector should collaborate with the government to provide modern and affordable healthcare facilities in rural areas, bridging the urban-rural healthcare divide.
- 4. Awareness Campaigns:
Medical associations should campaign to educate rural populations about preventing lifestyle diseases, which are increasingly affecting these areas.
- 5. Technological Integration:
Utilizing technology-based solutions, as successfully implemented in some states, can enhance the efficiency, transparency, and reach of healthcare services.
In conclusion, a multifaceted approach involving education, infrastructural improvements, public-private collaboration, and technological integration is essential to improve the rural healthcare system in India
5. How did the struggle between the Marathas and the British impact the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent during their period of conflict? What were the long-lasting effects of this rivalry? Discuss.
Demand of the question:
It expects students to write about the role played by Anglo-Maratha rivalry in shaping contemporary politics of Indian subcontinent along with its long term implication.
Introduction:
There were three Anglo-Maratha wars fought between the late 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century between the British and the Marathas. In the end, the Maratha power was destroyed and British supremacy established. However Maratha war machine delayed British occupation of India by around 50 years.
Body
Rise of Maratha Empire:
- The Hindu Maratha Empire was founded by the warrior Shivaji Bhonsle in 1674 in what is today the state of Maharashtra.
- Its power grew as bands of Marathas fought the Mughals, whose empire has grown weak after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, and the Persian invasion of Nader Shah in 1739.
- The Marathas, moreover, utilized guerrilla tactics that proved to their advantage against large and divided Mughal armies
- By the middle of the 18th century, the Marathas had emerged as the most powerful entity in India.
Rivalry of Anglo-Maratha shaped contemporary politics of India:
- Even though the Maratha Empire lost the Third Battle of Panipat to the Afghans in 1761, it still remained the dominant power in India, and occupied Delhi from between 1770 to 1803, officially as the agents of the Mughal Empire, though in reality the converse was closer to the truth. In addition, the Marathas dominated much of the rest of India, including Odisha and the Rajput states.
- Frequently allied with the British against South Indian states such as Hyderabad and Mysore, which were both closer to the French.
- After 1761, Maratha state became more of a confederacy than an empire, as its successful generals carved out new territories for themselves, and established dynasties, such as the Holkars and Sindhias, in addition to the peshwas, the title of the hereditary prime ministers who had become the de facto rulers of the empire during the course of the 18th century.
- As the Maratha Empire assumed the shape of a confederacy after the Panipat loss, with strong regional leaders asserting greater power and control, the Peshwas in Pune started to lose ‘visibility’ over the kingdom.
- British foresight exemplified in keeping Awadh as buffer state to keep Marathas at bay even after defeat of later in 1764, battle of Buxar.
- The British took advantage of this situation and continued to intervene in local succession battles in Pune, Indore and Gwalior, trying to provide local support to make small incremental gains.
- The main cause of the first Maratha war was the increased interference of the British in the affairs, both internal and external, of the Marathas and also the struggle for power between Madhav Rao and Raghunath Rao.
- It was these divisions between Maratha chiefs, as well as the competing ambitions of the Marathas and British, the region’s two greatest powers that made war hard to avoid.
- Even in 1800, the Maratha Empire controlled most of western, central, and north India, including territory it administered on the behalf of the Mughals, the greatest in the world after the Qing Empire of China; if it had acted in a strategic and united manner, it could have held its own in the subcontinent.
- In terms of military technology, it was not as a particular disadvantage, and moreover the British were preoccupied with fighting Napoleon. Nonetheless, the British were in a stronger position because of their ability to better monetize revenue from their now-substantive Indian territories, their perfecting of military drilling, and their ability to use divisions among their enemies to their advantage.
- Delhi and most of north India passed into British hands in 1803, as well as the protectorate of the Mughal family, still nominally the rulers of much of India, a legal fiction that both the Maratha and British maintained.
- The Maratha polity ultimately had too many constituent components jostling for self-preservation for the state to hold together, especially when British protection seemed to provide more stability than the constant clashes of the main Maratha clans, however competent they were in commanding their own particular armies and fiefs.
Long term implications of Anglo-Maratha rivalry:
- According to Percival Spear in The Oxford History of Modern India, 1740-1947, by the time of Maratha defeat, most other central and western Indian states previously tributary to the Marathas made subsidiary treaties with the British, including Bhopal, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. However, the territories ruled by the peshwas in western Maharashtra were annexed and became part of the Bombay Presidency, directly ruled by the British.
- Moreover, many of the non-Maratha states under Maratha influence, such as the Rajput states, were happy in their relief from Marathas and Pathans.
- British rule in South Asia began in Bengal between 1757 and 1765 as the British East India Company won battles, and was eventually given the legal right to collect revenue from that region by the powerless Mughal government.
- Marathas lacked vision to unite Indian powers against British, rather british succeeded to divide Indian powers and defeat one at a time. Marathas hegemony could not become popular outside Maharashtra.
- British had no enemy in west and south after the defeat of Marathas, which areas remained quite inactive in 1857 revolt indicate fatigue to fight against British or hope of reforms in caste system and education.
- Failure of native power to defeat British or replace Mughal with legitimate indigenous alternative power lowered the morale of Indians about political and military capacity.
Conclusion:
The debacle of Marathas in 1818 led to the complete dominance of the British throughout India, except for the northwest where the Sikh Empire still thrived, leaving the principal surviving Indians state as islands in a sea of British territory, or fenced in.
6. What are the merits and demerits of the parliamentary system of government? What were the reasons for adopting the parliamentary system in India? (250 Words)
Introduction
The parliamentary system of government is the one in which the executive is responsible to the legislature for its policies and acts. The Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, both at the Centre and in the states.
Body
The parliamentary system of government has the following merits:
Harmony between Legislature and Executive
- Parliamentary system ensures harmonious relationship and cooperation between the legislative and executive organs of the government.
- The executive is a part of the legislature and both are interdependent at work. As a result, there is less scope for disputes and conflicts between the two organs.
Responsible Government
- The ministers are responsible to the Parliament for all their acts of omission and commission.
- The Parliament exercises control over the ministers through various devices like question hour, adjournment motion, no-confidence motion, etc.
Prevents Despotism
- Under this system, the executive authority is vested in a group of individuals (council of ministers) and not in a single person. This dispersal of authority checks the dictatorial tendencies of the executive.
Ready Alternative Government
- In case the ruling party loses its majority, the Head of the State can invite the opposition party to form the government. This means an alternative government can be formed without fresh elections
Wide Representation
- In a parliamentary system, the executive consists of a group of individuals (i.e., ministers who are representatives of the people). Hence, it is possible to provide representation to all sections and regions in the government.
The parliamentary system suffers from the following demerits:
Unstable Government:
- The parliamentary system does not provide a stable government. The government depends on the mercy of the majority legislators for their continuity and survival in office. Political defection or evils of the multiparty coalition can make the government unstable.
No Continuity of Policies:
- The parliamentary system is not conducive for the formulation and implementation of long-term policies. A change in the ruling party is usually followed by changes in the policies of the government.
Dictatorship of the Cabinet:
- Whenever the ruling party enjoys an absolute majority in the Parliament, the cabinet becomes autocratic and exercises nearly unlimited powers.
Against Separation of Powers:
- In the parliamentary system, the legislature and the executive are together and inseparable. The cabinet acts as the leader of the legislature as well as the executive. Hence, the whole system of government goes against the letter and spirit of the theory of separation of powers.
Government by Amateurs:
- The parliamentary system is not conducive to administrative efficiency as the ministers are not experts in their fields. The Prime Minister has a limited choice in the selection of ministers; his choice is restricted to the members of Parliament alone and does not extend to external talent.
Reasons for adopting parliamentary system
Familiarity with the System:
- The Constitution-makers were somewhat familiar with the parliamentary system as it had been in operation in India during the British rule.
Preference to More Responsibility:
- Constituent Assembly wanted to adopt a system that was both stable and responsible. The American system gives more stability while the British system gives more responsibility but less stability. The Draft Constitution thereby recommended the system that was more responsible.
Need to Avoid Legislative—Executive Conflicts:
- The framers of the Constitution wanted to avoid the conflicts between the legislature and the executive which was common in the US Presidential system.
Nature of Indian Society:
- Parliamentary system offers greater scope for giving representation to various sections, interests and regions in the government. This promotes a national spirit among the people and builds a united India.
Conclusion
- In this context, the Swaran Singh committee recommended that the parliamentary system has been doing well and hence, there is no need to replace it with the presidential system.
7. Examine the role of the Governor as both the 'representative of the Central government' and the 'Constitutional head of the State'. Discuss.
Answer Framework:
Governor is being criticized for being a puppet of central government as agent of Centre than being the constitutional head of state.
Governor acting more as an ‘agent of the Centre’: Misuse of Article 356:
- A discretionary power under Article 356, Governor need to submit report to advise the President to proclaim emergency if there is Constitutional breakdown. This power has been abused by political parties at Centre to dismiss Governments in State governed by parties in opposition.
Power of reserving bill:
- Constitution provides that Governor can reserve the bill for consideration of the President. Even though Constitution does not provide Centre the power to veto State’s legislation, through power of reservation Centre exercises this power by delaying any legislation through President refusal to assent to State’s legislation.
Arbitrary removal of Governors:
- Parliamentary system offers greater scope for giving representation to various sections, interests and regions in the government. This promotes a national spirit among the people and builds a united India.
Following are some suggestions made by the Commissions regarding Governors role:
- The post of the Governor should be reserved for non-political appointees and the Supreme Court should lay down the law on how the Governor ought to act.
- The Sarkaria Commission recommended that A356 should be used in very rare cases when it becomes unavoidable to restore the breakdown of constitutional machinery in the State.
- The “Punchhi commission” recommended that this Articles 355 & 356 be amended. It sought to protect the interests of the States by trying to curb their misuse by the Centre.
- A national panel should be prepared after involving the opposition, ruling party, civil society and the Judiciary in the selection process. The Governor should be appointed from this panel after consultation with the CM of the State in which he or she is to function.
- In the current political climate, point to the need to ensure proper checks and balances to streamline the functioning of this office.
- In order to enable the Governor to successfully discharge his functions under the constitution, an agreed ‘Code of Conduct’ approved by the State Governments, the Central Government, the parliament, and the State legislatures should be evolved.
8.Discuss how Parliamentary Privileges are essential for Members of Parliament to effectively perform their Constitutional duties
Parliamentary privileges are certain rights and immunities enjoyed by members of Parliament, both individually and collectively, to ensure they can effectively discharge their functions. These privileges are outlined in the Constitution (Article 105 for Parliament and Article 194 for State Assemblies) and are governed by specific rules in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha rulebooks.
Various Parliamentary Privileges
Freedom of Speech:
- Members of Parliament enjoy freedom of speech and expression within the House.
- They cannot be prosecuted or discriminated against for their views expressed in the House and its Committees.
Freedom from Arrest:
- Members cannot be arrested in a civil case 40 days before and after the adjournment of the House and during its session.
- No member can be arrested within the precincts of Parliament without the House's permission.
Exemption from Attendance as Witnesses:
- Members are exempt from attending court as witnesses during parliamentary sessions.
Right to Publish Debates and Proceedings:
- Parliament can prohibit the press from publishing its proceedings when deemed necessary.
Right to Exclude Strangers:
- This right is intended to prevent intimidation or threats against members by excluding non-members from sessions.
Right to Punish Members and Outsiders:
- Parliament has punitive powers to deal with those guilty of contempt of the House.
Significance of Parliamentary Privileges
Ensuring Independence and Effectiveness:
- These privileges secure the independence and effectiveness of parliamentary actions.
Maintaining Dignity and Authority:
- They help maintain the dignity, authority, and honor of Parliament and its members.
Preventing Obstruction:
- They protect members from any obstruction in performing their duties
Internal Independence:
- Privileges ensure that Parliament can function independently without external interference.
Internal Issue Resolution:
- Parliament can address its issues internally, without statutory authority interference.
Not Above the Law:
- The purpose is to enable members to perform their duties effectively, not to place them above the law.
Misuse of Parliamentary Privileges
- However, privileges can be misused. For instance, the Kerala government recently filed a plea to withdraw criminal cases against its MLAs charged for incidents inside the Assembly, claiming parliamentary privilege.
Conclusion
- There is a pressing need to codify parliamentary privileges and prioritize a citizen’s right to free speech over legislative privileges. Legislators must act within the parameters of public trust. Those who indulge in vandalism and general mayhem should not claim parliamentary privilege and must not be immune from criminal prosecution. Codification and proper conduct within Parliament will help uphold the sanctity and trust in democratic institutions.
