The Hidden Cost of Disruptions: Why Parliament Must Refocus on Governance

The Parliament is the heartbeat of democracy, tasked with addressing national priorities through debate and decision-making. However, recent sessions in India have been marred by disruptions, adjournments, and political theatrics, severely undermining the institution’s role. These recurring incidents not only waste precious parliamentary time but also fail to deliver on the expectations of the electorate.

The Recent Parliament Disruptions

The Winter Session of 2024 exemplifies this troubling trend. From debates on the controversial ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill to heated exchanges over sensitive topics, proceedings have been dominated by noise rather than dialogue. Walkouts, sloganeering, and personal attacks have led to multiple adjournments, with some days witnessing no legislative work at all.

For instance, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on B.R. Ambedkar sparked uproar from the opposition. Similarly, protests over the introduction of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill derailed discussions on other pressing issues like education reforms and healthcare policies. These disruptions consumed over 60% of the session’s allocated time, leaving critical bills in limbo or passed hastily without adequate scrutiny.

The Consequences of Wasted Time

Legislative Delays

Frequent disruptions stall legislative progress, as seen during this session. The lack of meaningful debate on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill—a reform that could fundamentally reshape India’s electoral process—highlighted the inability to engage in constructive discussions. Hasty passage of bills without thorough debate risks poorly framed laws that may later face challenges or require amendments, further delaying their implementation.

Loss of Resources

A day of parliamentary proceedings costs approximately ₹2.5 crore. When days are wasted in adjournments and disorder, this expenditure brings no value. Considering the number of adjournments during this Winter Session, the loss to the exchequer is staggering—money that could have been utilized for developmental initiatives.

Erosion of Trust

Recent disruptions showcase Parliament as a battleground for partisan politics rather than a forum for governance. This erodes public trust in democratic institutions. Citizens watching their representatives engage in chaos instead of addressing critical national issues are left disillusioned.

What Needs to Change?

Accountability for Behavior

Parliamentarians must be held accountable for their conduct. Disruptive behavior should result in penalties, including suspension, to deter such actions. Legislators must prioritize the needs of the people over political showmanship.

Pre-Session Consultations

To avoid deadlocks, the government and opposition should engage in pre-session consultations to build consensus on contentious issues. Such dialogue can prevent heated debates from escalating into adjournments.

Streamlining Parliamentary Procedures

Reforms in parliamentary procedures are necessary to ensure that disruptions do not derail entire sessions. Time lost to adjournments should be compensated, ensuring that critical legislative agendas are not sidelined.

Public Awareness and Pressure

The electorate must be aware of how their representatives perform in Parliament. Publishing attendance records, participation in debates, and voting patterns can empower voters to hold MPs accountable during elections.

Conclusion

The recent disruptions in Parliament serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to preserve the sanctity of this institution. Wasting parliamentary time is not just a governance failure—it is a disservice to the nation. Representatives must rise above partisan interests to ensure that the Parliament remains a space for constructive dialogue and impactful legislation. Only then can this institution fulfill its role as the cornerstone of democracy.

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