Points to Remember:
- Parliamentary Supremacy
- Question Hour
- No-Confidence Motion
- Adjournment Motion
- Budgetary Control
- Committees
- Judicial Review (indirect control)
Introduction:
The Indian Constitution establishes a parliamentary system of government, characterized by a fusion of powers between the legislature (Parliament) and the executive (Council of Ministers). While the executive is responsible to the legislature, Parliament possesses several mechanisms to control and hold the executive accountable. This control is crucial for maintaining democratic governance and preventing executive overreach. This essay will discuss the primary methods employed by the Indian Parliament to exercise this control.
Body:
1. Question Hour: This daily session allows MPs to question ministers on various government policies, actions, and administrative matters. It is a powerful tool for scrutinizing the executive’s performance and exposing inefficiency or corruption. The effectiveness of Question Hour, however, depends on the preparedness of ministers and the incisiveness of the questions asked. While it can lead to significant policy changes, it’s often criticized for being overly procedural and lacking in depth.
2. No-Confidence Motion: This is a crucial mechanism for removing the government. A motion of no-confidence, if passed by a majority in the Lok Sabha (House of the People), forces the entire Council of Ministers to resign. This demonstrates the ultimate power of Parliament over the executive. However, the high threshold for success (a majority vote) and the potential for political instability limit its frequent use.
3. Adjournment Motion: This motion allows for immediate discussion of a matter of urgent public importance. It can disrupt the normal legislative agenda to address pressing issues, forcing the executive to respond and potentially take corrective action. However, its use is subject to strict rules and is often debated based on its urgency and relevance.
4. Budgetary Control: Parliament’s control over the government’s finances is a significant check on executive power. The Union Budget, presented by the Finance Minister, needs parliamentary approval. The process of scrutiny, debate, and amendment allows Parliament to influence government spending and prioritize national needs. Standing committees scrutinize the budget in detail, providing valuable insights and recommendations.
5. Parliamentary Committees: Various standing and ad-hoc committees scrutinize the work of different ministries and departments. These committees investigate government policies, examine bills, and monitor the implementation of laws. Their reports often expose shortcomings and suggest improvements, influencing executive actions. However, the effectiveness of committees depends on their autonomy and the government’s willingness to act on their recommendations.
6. Legislative Process: The executive’s legislative agenda is subject to parliamentary approval. Bills introduced by the government must pass through both houses of Parliament, allowing for debate, amendment, and potential rejection. This process ensures that the executive’s legislative proposals are subject to democratic scrutiny.
Conclusion:
The Indian Parliament possesses a range of mechanisms to control the executive, ranging from the daily scrutiny of Question Hour to the ultimate power of a no-confidence motion. Budgetary control, parliamentary committees, and the legislative process further enhance Parliament’s ability to hold the executive accountable. While the effectiveness of these mechanisms varies, their combined impact is crucial for maintaining a balance of power and ensuring good governance. Strengthening the autonomy of parliamentary committees, improving the effectiveness of Question Hour, and promoting a more robust culture of accountability within the executive branch are essential for enhancing parliamentary control. This will ultimately contribute to a more responsive and responsible government, upholding the principles of democratic governance enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
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