Parliament is the supreme legislative institution in a parliamentary democracy. It ensures that governance remains accountable, representative and responsive to the aspirations of the people. The observance of the International Day of Parliamentarism (30 June) reinforces the importance of legislatures in sustaining democratic values.
Significance of Parliament
- Enacts laws and policies reflecting the will of the people.
- Ensures executive accountability through Question Hour, debates and parliamentary committees.
- Represents diverse social, regional and political interests.
- Exercises financial control through the Budget and public expenditure oversight.
- Provides a platform for deliberation, consensus-building and conflict resolution.
- Safeguards constitutional values, democratic freedoms and the rule of law.
Major Challenges
- Frequent disruptions and declining quality of debates.
- Reduced sittings and limited legislative scrutiny.
- Increasing criminalisation and money power in politics.
- Excessive use of ordinances and delegated legislation.
- Weakening role of parliamentary committees.
- Growing political polarisation and erosion of constructive opposition.
Way Forward
- Increase the number of parliamentary sittings.
- Strengthen the committee system and pre-legislative scrutiny.
- Promote ethical standards and transparency among legislators.
- Encourage evidence-based debates supported by research.
- Enhance citizen participation through digital parliamentary initiatives.
- Preserve the autonomy and dignity of Parliament as the guardian of democracy.
Conclusion
The strength of a democracy is measured not merely by periodic elections but by the effectiveness of its parliamentary institutions. A vibrant, accountable and deliberative Parliament remains indispensable for achieving good governance, constitutionalism and inclusive democratic development.
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