The absence of a fixed parliamentary calendar has hindered the effective functioning of legislative business. Assess the need for institutionalizing a mandatory session schedule.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
Q4. The absence of a fixed parliamentary calendar has hindered the effective functioning of legislative business. Assess the need for institutionalizing a mandatory session schedule. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the Question: The declining number of parliamentary sittings in recent years has raised concerns about reduced legislative scrutiny, accountability, and overall governance quality. Key Demand of the Question: The answer must highlight how the absence of a fixed parliamentary calendar has impacted legislative functioning, assess the positives of a mandatory session schedule, and address potential challenges. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly highlight the constitutional mandate for parliamentary sessions (Article 85) and mention the declining trend in sittings as a key concern. Body: Issues Due to the Absence of a Fixed Calendar: Discuss how irregular sittings hinder legislative scrutiny, weaken accountability, and delay crucial policy debates. Need for a Mandatory Schedule: Highlight how fixed sessions can improve scrutiny, stabilize policymaking, and ensure better public engagement. Challenges: Address potential concerns like rigidity, political misuse, and logistical burdens. Conclusion Propose a solution-oriented conclusion suggesting a balanced framework that combines mandatory sittings with flexibility for urgent needs, supported by enhanced committee engagement.
Why the Question: The declining number of parliamentary sittings in recent years has raised concerns about reduced legislative scrutiny, accountability, and overall governance quality.
Key Demand of the Question: The answer must highlight how the absence of a fixed parliamentary calendar has impacted legislative functioning, assess the positives of a mandatory session schedule, and address potential challenges.
Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly highlight the constitutional mandate for parliamentary sessions (Article 85) and mention the declining trend in sittings as a key concern.
• Issues Due to the Absence of a Fixed Calendar: Discuss how irregular sittings hinder legislative scrutiny, weaken accountability, and delay crucial policy debates.
• Need for a Mandatory Schedule: Highlight how fixed sessions can improve scrutiny, stabilize policymaking, and ensure better public engagement.
• Challenges: Address potential concerns like rigidity, political misuse, and logistical burdens.
Conclusion Propose a solution-oriented conclusion suggesting a balanced framework that combines mandatory sittings with flexibility for urgent needs, supported by enhanced committee engagement.