Recent news reports indicate the introduction of a new 15-point reform charter, intended to enhance Parliament and State Legislatures’ functioning. Vice President of India proposed the charter, which aims to counter various adversities that undermine legislative institutions.
Charter Issued for Political Conscience
The charter promotes a new political consciousness among legislators, urging a review of their roles and responsibilities. It calls for political parties to ensure at least 50% attendance of their legislators during proceedings through appropriate roster systems, given the mandatory quorum (10% of the Houses’ strength).
Revamping the Whip System
The charter proposes a review of the Whip system, which presently inhibits legislators’ freedom of expression. An altered system would permit a reasonable level of dissent without threatening government stability.
Anti-Defection Law Review
A review of the Anti-Defection Law is recommended to address potential issues – such as incentivizing legislators towards actions inviting expulsion from their party. The charter also suggests time-bound disposal of defection cases by the Presiding Officer.
Improving Department Related Standing Committees
To achieve effective functioning of Department Related Standing Committees, longer tenures and promoting specialization are suggested. The current one-year term is considered insufficient.
Emphasizing Legislative Impact Assessment
The charter stresses the need for a robust framework for pre and post-Legislative Impact Assessment. Each legislative proposal should include a detailed account of its social, economic, environmental, and administrative impacts for broader awareness and subsequent legal assessment.
Moving Towards Development-Oriented Voting Preferences
Proposals call for a shift away from identity-based voting to development-oriented voting preferences. The influence of caste, community, region, and religion on voting preferences must be minimized.
Transparency & Accountability Enhancements and Legislators’ Conduct
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Reports by Secretariats of Legislatures | Mandates frequent reports on Members’ attendance and participation in debates |
| Addressing Criminal Records Concerns | Recognizes the increasing number of legislators with criminal records and suggests special courts for time-bound adjudication of complaints against them |
| Establishing Minimum Sittings | Propose a minimum number of sittings for both Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures annually |
Promoting Responsive Governments and Constructive Opposition
The charter emphasizes the need for governments to show a positive response to opposition concerns and for the opposition to use parliamentary instruments responsibly and constructively.
Building Consensus on Simultaneous Polls
The charter advocates building a consensus on simultaneous polls proposal to facilitate unhindered governance.
Advocating for Women’s Reservation in Legislatures
Enacting legislation for women’s reservation in legislatures is another important point in the reform charter, reinforcing commitment to gender balance in politics.
Streamlining Rules and Regulations
Making rules to automatically penalise erring members in case of interruptions and disruptions. This would ensure timely and effective action against legislators for non-ethical conduct.