Individual Parliamentarian's role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

Factors Contributing to the Decline of Individual MP’s Role

Several interconnected factors contribute to the diminishing influence of individual MPs:

• Increased Party Discipline: Political parties exert tighter control over their MPs, demanding strict adherence to the party line. Whips are used more frequently, and dissent is often discouraged, limiting the scope for independent thought and action. The anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, 1985) while intended to prevent instability, has inadvertently strengthened party control.
• Criminalization of Politics: According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reports (as of 2023 data, knowledge cutoff), a significant percentage of MPs have criminal records. This often leads to a focus on personal interests and patronage rather than substantive policy debates.
• Lack of Research and Analytical Support: Many MPs lack adequate resources and access to research support to effectively scrutinize legislation and formulate informed opinions. The Parliamentary Research and Analysis Service (PRAS), established in 2018, aims to address this gap, but its reach and impact are still limited.
• Executive Dominance: The executive branch, particularly the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), wields considerable influence over the legislative agenda. Important bills are often introduced and passed with limited consultation with opposition parties or individual MPs.
• Coalition Politics & Regional Dynamics: The rise of coalition governments and regional parties often prioritizes coalition compulsions over independent legislative scrutiny. MPs from smaller parties may be compelled to support the government’s agenda to maintain their political relevance.

Impact on the Quality of Debates and Legislative Outcomes

The decline in individual MP participation has several adverse consequences:

• Decline in the Quality of Debate: Parliamentary debates are becoming increasingly superficial and partisan, lacking in-depth analysis and constructive criticism. The focus often shifts from policy substance to political point-scoring.
• Reduced Scrutiny of Legislation: Bills are often passed with minimal debate and scrutiny, leading to poorly drafted laws with unintended consequences. The hurried passage of the three farm laws in 2020, without adequate consultation, is a prime example.
• Executive Dominance & Erosion of Accountability: The executive branch gains greater control over the legislative process, reducing the Parliament’s ability to hold the government accountable.
• Weakening of Parliamentary Committees: While parliamentary committees are crucial for detailed scrutiny of legislation, their effectiveness is hampered by political interference and a lack of resources. Attendance rates in committees are often low.
• Rise of ‘Silent MPs’: A growing number of MPs rarely participate in debates or raise questions, effectively becoming ‘silent observers’ rather than active lawmakers.

Comparative Perspective

Compared to parliamentary systems like the UK, where backbench MPs often play a significant role in shaping legislation and holding the government accountable, the Indian Parliament exhibits a greater degree of party control and executive dominance. In the UK, the Public Bill Committee system allows for detailed scrutiny of legislation by a cross-section of MPs.

Feature	Indian Parliament	UK Parliament
Party Discipline	High	Moderate
Executive Control	Significant	Relatively Lower
Backbench MP Influence	Limited	Substantial
Committee System	Underutilized	Robust

Potential Remedies

Addressing this decline requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Strengthening Parliamentary Committees: Providing committees with adequate resources, ensuring greater independence, and encouraging wider MP participation.
• Enhancing Research Support: Expanding the scope and reach of PRAS and providing MPs with access to independent research and analytical expertise.
• Promoting Internal Democracy within Parties: Encouraging parties to foster a culture of debate and dissent, and allowing MPs greater freedom to express their views.
• Reforming the Anti-Defection Law: Reviewing the anti-defection law to strike a better balance between party discipline and individual MP’s right to express their conscience.
• Increased Transparency and Public Participation: Making parliamentary proceedings more accessible to the public and encouraging greater citizen engagement in the legislative process.