Enhancing Indian parliamentary oversight

• The Constituent Assembly met for 167 days to frame the Constitution of India, with the debate on the form of government.

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar argued for a parliamentary system, arguing it offers more responsibility and less stability.

• The system allows for daily accountability of the executive through questions, motions, and debates in Parliament and periodic accountability through elections.

The Decrease in Oversight

• Despite the Constitution’s checks and balances, legislative oversight has often been diminished.

• Efficiency in governance is important, but transparency is also necessary.

• Strengthening the role of Parliament in scrutinising executive action is essential for effective implementation and accountability.

Parliamentary Oversight Mechanisms

• Parliament has developed mechanisms to fulfill this mandate, including Question Hour, Zero Hour, and Standing Committees.

• Despite these mechanisms, parliamentary oversight often falls short due to disruptions by protests and a focus on isolated queries.

Successful Interventions

• The Standing Committee on Railways recommended waiving dividend payments by Indian Railways in 2015 to improve its financial health.

• The Standing Committee on Transport influenced the Motor Vehicles Bill amendments in 2017.

• The Committee on Public Undertakings addressing delays in National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)-managed highway projects.

• The Estimates Committee advised increasing domestic uranium production by opening new mines.

• The Public Accounts Committee exposed critical delays, opaque appointments, and corrupt practices during the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

To make oversight truly effective, Parliament must adopt targeted reforms, including robust post-legislative scrutiny and strengthening committee work.

Adopting Technology

• Technology offers a powerful opportunity to modernize and strengthen parliamentary oversight.

• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and data analytics can help members flag irregularities, track policy trends, and frame sharper, evidence-based questions.