During a recent TV debate, Rajya Sabha member Sagarika Ghose highlighted how frequent walkouts and adjournments in Parliament have prevented discussions on unemployment and the rising prices of vegetables and other essential commodities. Parliament, once envisioned as a beacon of democracy and discourse, now often resembles a battlefield of chaos. In recent years, scenes of unruly behaviour, disruptions, and walkouts have become a regular feature of parliamentary proceedings, overshadowing the critical issues that demand immediate attention. This culture of chaos has not only eroded the sanctity of the institution but has also led to the blatant waste of taxpayers’ money, with little to no productive discussions on pressing matters such as price rise, unemployment, and socio-economic challenges.
On December 3, the seventh day of the winter session, Parliament finally conducted some business after six working days were wasted due to vehement protests by the Congress over the Adani indictment issue.
The primary responsibility of Parliament is to deliberate on policies and legislation that affect the lives of millions. However, this fundamental role is increasingly being sidelined by adversarial politics. Members of Parliament, representing diverse political ideologies, seem more intent on scoring brownie points than engaging in meaningful debate. The result is a house divided, with frequent adjournments and disruptions paralysing its functioning.
Take, for instance, the issue of price rise, which has been a consistent concern for Indian households. Despite being a critical topic impacting the daily lives of citizens, discussions on inflation hardly figure in the MP’s agenda. Similarly, unemployment, a crisis affecting millions of Indian youth, is rarely addressed substantively in Parliament. Instead of formulating policies to generate jobs or discussing ways to bolster economic growth, valuable time is wasted on finger- pointing and walkouts.
The financial implications of such disruptions are staggering. According to official estimates, a single minute of Parliament’s functioning costs the exchequer lakhs of rupees. When sessions are adjourned repeatedly without any significant business being transacted, it translates to a direct loss of taxpayers’ money. On March 13, 2023, both Houses remained deadlocked due to the stalemate resulting from an escalating standoff between the government and the Opposition over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in London and the controversy surrounding the Adani-Hindenburg report.
India faces challenges ranging from environmental degradation and agrarian distress to healthcare deficiencies and education gaps. The nature of debates in Parliament has also taken a turn for the worse. Personal attacks and unparliamentary language have become par for the course. Parliamentary debates should ideally be forums for cogent arguments and constructive criticism, but they are increasingly degenerating into spectacles of petty bickering. The common man has begun to view it with scepticism.
To restore the dignity and purpose of Parliament, significant reforms are necessary. First, stricter enforcement of rules governing parliamentary behaviour is essential. Members who engage in disruptions should face tangible consequences, such as suspension or salary deductions. This would act as a deterrent to unruly behaviour.
Second, mechanisms to ensure the allocation of adequate time for discussions on critical issues like price rise and unemployment must be institutionalised. A mandatory minimum time for addressing these topics, irrespective of the session’s agenda, could be a step in the right direction. Additionally, bipartisan committees could be empowered to resolve contentious issues outside the main floor, ensuring smoother proceedings.
Third, fostering a culture of dialogue and mutual respect is crucial. Both the government and the opposition must recognise that the Parliament belongs to the people, not to any particular ideology or faction. Encouraging constructive criticism and acknowledging valid points raised by the opposition would go a long way in improving the quality of debates.
Citizens must demand better behaviour and outcomes from their elected representatives. Regular monitoring and reporting of parliamentary productivity could pressure members to prioritise governance over grandstanding.
Parliament has the potential to be a model of democratic functioning, given its rich history and diverse representation. However, this potential remains unrealised in the current environment of chaos and confrontation. As the largest democracy in the world, India cannot afford a dysfunctional legislature. It is imperative for political leaders to rise above petty rivalries and prioritise the nation’s welfare.
The people of India deserve a Parliament that debates issues that matter to them—how to combat inflation, generate employment, and improve living standards. They deserve leaders who channel their passion into policies, not protests. And most importantly, they deserve accountability for the money and trust they invest in the democratic process.
The path to reform may be challenging, but it is not insurmountable. With political will and public pressure, Parliament can be restored to its rightful place as the cornerstone of Indian democracy—a place where issues are resolved through dialogue, not drowned in disorder.
The writer is an independent journalist
