What the 17th Lok Sabha Tells Us About India’s Political Landscape

India’s 17th Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, has been a defining chapter in the nation’s political history. As one of the most diverse democracies, India’s political landscape constantly evolves, reflecting shifts in social attitudes, economic priorities, and regional interests. The 17th Lok Sabha was no exception, encapsulating a period of intense political debate, sweeping legislation, and notable political realignments.

From the 2019 general elections that saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secure a significant mandate, to the emergence of new political players and the reassertion of long-standing political ideologies, the 17th Lok Sabha became a microcosm of India’s intricate and dynamic democracy. In this article, we explore the key events and trends that characterized this parliamentary session, offering insights into what they reveal about the broader shifts in India’s political landscape.

• The 17th Lok Sabha, spanning from June 2019 to February 2024, has been a period of significant legislative activity, with a remarkable work productivity rate of approximately 97%.
• This phase witnessed the passing of 179 Bills, including major ones like the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023, and the Digital Data Protection Bill, 2023.
• The adoption of digital technology for parliamentary work and the transition to a new parliamentary building underscored a move towards modernization and efficiency.
• However, the tenure was not devoid of criticisms, particularly regarding the rapid passage of bills with minimal debate, a practice that raised concerns over the democratic ethos of the house.
• The decline in the number of sittings and the unprecedented absence of a Deputy Speaker election were among other critical issues that highlighted areas requiring introspection and improvement.

Why in News: The 17th Lok Sabha’s Legislative Journey

This period was marked by a high number of laws being made and faced various challenges. It gained a lot of attention and was widely discussed. Many important bills were passed during this time, such as the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023, and the J&K Reorganisation Bill, 2019. However, some people were concerned because these bills were passed quickly without much discussion. Also, notable events occurred during this Lok Sabha session, such as the move to a new parliamentary building, which reflects the changing landscape of India’s legislative process. Some unique situations also arose, like not electing a Deputy Speaker. All these events highlight the complexities of India’s parliamentary democracy.

1. The Achievements of the 17th Lok Sabha

Legislative Landmarks: Key Bills that Shaped the Tenure

The 17th Lok Sabha, with its impressive work productivity rate of approximately 97%, passed 179 significant Bills, including transformative legislations like the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023, and the J&K Reorganisation Bill, 2019. This period saw the Ministries of Finance and Home Affairs leading the charge with 15% of the Bills each, showcasing a proactive legislative agenda that aimed at reforming various sectors from governance to digital data protection.

Embracing Technology: The Digital Leap in Parliamentary Affairs

A notable achievement of the 17th Lok Sabha was its stride towards digitalization, with over 97% of question notices being submitted through electronic mediums, marking a significant move towards realizing a paperless office. This adoption of digital technology has not only streamlined parliamentary operations but has also set a precedent for future parliamentary sessions.

A New Home for Democracy: Transitioning to the New Parliamentary Building

The historic transition to the new parliamentary building on September 19, 2023, signifies a new era for India’s democracy. Moving from the iconic circular edifice to a state-of-the-art triangular complex, this change embodies the aspirations of a modern India while aiming to bolster the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings.

2. Evaluating the Functioning of the 17th Lok Sabha

The Rushed Legislation: A Concern for Democratic Deliberation

The 17th Lok Sabha’s tendency to expedite the passage of Bills, with 58% of them passed within two weeks of introduction, raises concerns about the depth of democratic deliberation and scrutiny. This pace, although productive, has sparked debates on the quality of legislation and the opportunity for comprehensive debate.

A Historical Omission: The Case of the Missing Deputy Speaker

The unprecedented absence of a Deputy Speaker throughout the tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha, a first in its history, highlights a significant departure from constitutional norms and practices, drawing attention to the need for adherence to established democratic procedures.

Committee Oversight and the Decline in Detailed Examination

With only 16% of Bills referred to Committees for detailed scrutiny, there has been a notable decline in the thorough examination of legislation. This trend not only impacts the quality of laws passed but also diminishes the role of committees in the legislative process, which is important for nuanced and informed law-making.

3. Reflections on Representational Challenges

The Criminal Element: The Rise of Criminality in Indian Politics

The 17th Lok Sabha has brought to light an unsettling trend: 43% of its members face pending criminal charges, suggesting a growing criminalization within the political sphere. This development poses a serious threat to the credibility of the legislative body and sparks a broader debate about whether ethical and law-abiding citizens are losing their voice in politics.

Marginal Voices: The Dilemma of Private Members’ Bills and Reduced Budget Discussions

Despite a record number of 729 Private Members’ Bills being introduced, only two were discussed, reflecting the marginalization of individual members’ voices. Additionally, the reduction in budget discussion time underscores the need for more inclusive and comprehensive financial debates to ensure accountability and transparency.

4. The Road Ahead for Parliamentary Effectiveness

Fostering Transparency and Accountability: Reforms for a Robust Democracy

Enhancing transparency and accountability within the Parliament through reforms such as live broadcasting of sessions and public disclosure of MPs’ performance can help build a more robust democracy. These steps would ensure greater public engagement and trust in parliamentary processes.

Enhancing Quality of Debate: Encouraging In-depth Legislative Scrutiny

Promoting a culture of in-depth legislative scrutiny and meaningful debate is imperative for the quality of laws passed. Encouraging detailed examination of Bills through Committee referrals and fostering an environment of constructive debate can significantly improve legislative outcomes.

A Call for Collaboration: Promoting Bipartisanship in National Interest

In the face of national challenges, promoting bipartisanship and collaborative efforts among different political factions is essential. A concerted approach towards legislation, focusing on national interest rather than partisan gains, can enhance the effectiveness of the parliamentary system.

5. Reimagining Parliamentary Democracy

Strengthening the Pillars of Democracy: A Unified Approach to Reform

The journey towards a more effective and responsive parliamentary democracy requires a unified approach encompassing reforms in parliamentary, electoral, and judicial domains. By collectively addressing these areas, India can strengthen the pillars of its democracy and ensure a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance framework.

Building a Future-Ready Legislature: Adaptation and Innovation in Parliamentary Practices

Adapting to the changing needs of the time and embracing innovation in parliamentary practices are essential for a future-ready legislature. This involves not only adopting technological advancements but also revising and updating legislative and procedural frameworks to meet contemporary challenges, ensuring that the Parliament remains relevant and responsive to the aspirations of its citizens.

Way Forward

Moving forward, the 17th Lok Sabha must prioritize transparency and accountability to restore public trust in the political process. To rebuild public trust, there must be stringent vetting processes for candidates, coupled with transparent disclosures of criminal records. Adopting electoral reforms and encouraging ethical governance can help ensure that political leaders embody the values of integrity and accountability, laying a stronger foundation for future Lok Sabha. Additionally, following measures may be taken into account:

• Electoral Reforms: Start with reforms that ensure the election of capable and honest candidates.
• Enhanced Scrutiny: Improve the quality of legislative discussions by ensuring that bills are thoroughly reviewed, including by standing committees.
• Use of Technology: Adopt technology to make the legislative process more transparent and to engage the public more effectively.
• Bipartisanship: Encourage a culture of working together across party lines and focusing on national rather than partisan interests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 17th Lok Sabha’s term has reflected both the strengths and challenges of India’s parliamentary democracy. It saw significant legislative activity and embraced digital innovations, yet faced issues like hurried legislation and limited committee involvement, highlighting concerns about the health of democratic processes. To ensure a vibrant democracy, future sessions must work towards enhancing parliamentary scrutiny and encouraging cross-party collaboration. Ultimately, the lessons from this term will be fundamental for guiding India’s parliamentary democracy towards greater resilience and accountability.