Strengthening parliamentary oversight in India Premium

In India, while the Constitution enshrines checks and balances, legislative oversight has often been diminished

A historical fact is that over nearly three years, the Constituent Assembly met for 167 days to frame the Constitution of India. Among the many crucial debates that occurred was the question of what form of government India should adopt. Defending the choice of a parliamentary system, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar argued that it offered more responsibility and less stability which is a necessary trade-off for a functioning democracy. He emphasised the point that such a system allows for the daily accountability of the executive through questions, motions and debates in Parliament, and periodic accountability through elections.

While the Constitution enshrines checks and balances, legislative oversight has often been diminished. Efficiency in governance is important, but not at the cost of transparency. Strengthening the role of Parliament in scrutinising executive action is essential in not just making laws but also ensuring their effective implementation and accountability. If India seeks ‘Maximum Governance’, it must also commit to ‘Maximum Accountability’, starting with an empowered and effective Parliament.

Over decades, Parliament has developed an array of mechanisms to fulfil this mandate — some formal, some by convention. From the daily scrutiny of Question Hour and the spontaneity of Zero Hour, to the behind-the-scenes workings of Standing Committees, these tools form the framework of accountability. In theory, they empower Members of Parliament (MP) to ask probing questions, seek detailed information, and even move a no-confidence motion if necessary.

Despite its strong framework, parliamentary oversight often falls short. Question Hour, intended as a daily spotlight on government accountability, is frequently disrupted by noisy protests, leading to adjournments where important issues remain unaddressed. During the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24), Question Hour functioned for 60% of its scheduled time in the Lok Sabha and 52% in Rajya Sabha, significantly reducing its effectiveness. Even when it operates, individual MPs tend to focus on isolated queries rather than a systematic scrutiny of complex, cross-ministerial problems.

Parliamentary committees, including the Department-related Standing Committees (DRSC), meet regularly and generate detailed reports, though these are often not taken up for discussion on the floor. Consequently, despite their detailed evaluations of policies and schemes, committee findings have had limited influence on legislation or executive action. Despite their mandate for detailed scrutiny, committee consultations tend to engage a relatively small group of stakeholders, raising concerns about diversity and the breadth of input. Moreover, their inherently temporary structure limits the ability of members to develop both expertise and institutional standing.

Even with its inconsistencies, Indian legislative oversight has had notable successes. The Standing Committee on Railways recommended waiving dividend payments by Indian Railways in 2015 to improve its financial health, which was implemented in 2016. The Standing Committee on Transport influenced the Motor Vehicles Bill amendments in 2017, removing caps on third-party insurance and establishing a National Road Safety Board.

Other significant interventions include the Committee on Public Undertakings addressing delays in National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)-managed highway projects, recommending that projects commence only after acquiring 80% of land and necessary clearances. Similarly, the Estimates Committee advised increasing domestic uranium production by opening new mines, reducing dependency on imports. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) exposed critical delays, opaque appointments, and corrupt practices during the Commonwealth Games in 2010. On average, the PAC has made 180 recommendations every year in the past eight years, out of which 80% were accepted by the government.