This article examines the productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha, as it moves into its final year. The 16th Lok Sabha marked the lowest number of sitting days (331) for any full-term Lok Sabha finishing its five-year tenure. With averages suggesting approximately 58 sitting days per year, the 17th Lok Sabha’s total sitting days are not likely to exceed this number, potentially making it the shortest since 1952.
Performance Analysis of Recent Budget Sessions
The recent budget session from January to April 2023 saw limited legislative activity with minimal discussion due to continuous disruptions. This affected the functioning of both houses with the Lok Sabha operating only a third of its scheduled time (33% or 46 hours) and the Rajya Sabha even less at 24% (or 32 hours). This session ended up being the sixth shortest budget session since the commencement in 1952. A total of 18 hours were dedicated to financial business, with 16 hours spent on general budget discussions.
Statistical Overview of the Past Eleven Sessions
Between the budget sessions of 2019 to 2023, 150 Bills were introduced with 131 passed. During the first session, 38 bills were introduced and 28 passed. A gradual decrease in the number of introduced and passed bills has been observed, with fewer than ten Bills presented or passed in each of the past four consecutive sessions.
Decrease in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Productivity Hours
Looking at productivity hours, the Lok Sabha functioned for 177 hours and the Rajya Sabha for 127.6 hours in 2022. There was a slight reduction in 2021, with 131.8 hours in the Lok Sabha and 104 hours in the Rajya Sabha. A similar decline was seen in 2020, with productivity hours at 111.2 for the lower house and 93.8 hours for the upper house.
Reduced Parliamentary Debate
In the current Lok Sabha, only 11 short-duration discussions and one half-an-hour discussion have taken place, with none in the most recent session. The Question Hour functioned for only 19% of the scheduled time in the Lok Sabha and 9% in the Rajya Sabha. No Private member bills were introduced, discussed, or passed – each house deliberated on just one private member resolution.
Decline in Bill Referrals to Parliamentary Committee
Since the 17th Lok Sabha’s initiation, only 14 out of a total of 131 bills were referred to a parliamentary committee for further review. This signifies a decreasing trend as the 16th Lok Sabha referred 25% of the Bills to the committee, compared to 71% and 60% for the 15th and 14th Lok Sabha, respectively.
Delay in Deputy Speaker Election
Article 93 of the Constitution states that the Lok Sabha should elect two of its members as Speaker and Deputy Speaker as soon as possible. However, the 17th Lok Sabha has yet to elect a Deputy Speaker, even as it enters its final year.
What are the Causes of Decreased Lok Sabha Productivity?
Key causes include frequent disruptions due to protests, disagreement among ruling and opposition party members, and shorter sessions which limit the time available for thorough debates.
What are the Potential Implications?
Potential implications of decreased productivity include delayed legislation, lack of accountability, erosion of public trust, waste of resources, and negative economic impacts.
A Call for Revival of Parliamentary Democracy
To improve Lok Sabha productivity and fulfill parliamentary duties effectively, a sense of respect, decorum, and professionalism among parliamentarians needs to be reinstated. A culture of constructive dialogue should be encouraged, and the oversight function should be strengthened for effective accountability of government actions. This would involve rigorous questioning, scrutiny of decisions, and informative debates on important policy choices.
