Context

• On November 26, 2024, India commemorates the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution, a landmark event that established the framework for the nation’s democratic governance.
• The achievements of the Constituent Assembly, whose members shaped this seminal document, remain a source of inspiration and guidance for contemporary politics.
• As India celebrates this milestone, it is imperative to reflect on these foundational ideals and draw lessons for the present and future functioning of its Parliament.

The Spirit of the Constituent Assembly

• A Commitment to Dialogue and Consensus Building
  • The Constituent Assembly’s approach was characterised by a commitment to dialogue and consensus-building.
  • Members represented diverse ideological, cultural, and regional backgrounds, fostering a pluralistic and inclusive environment.
  • This diversity did not lead to chaos but rather enriched the process of drafting the Constitution.
  • B.R. Ambedkar, in his concluding speech to the Assembly on November 25, 1949, eloquently praised the Assembly for avoiding the pitfalls of rigid party discipline.
  • He highlighted the value of dissenting voices, noting that even though he often disagreed with their ideological positions, these contributions enlivened debates and clarified constitutional principles.
• A Stark Contrast to Present Day Parliamentary Culture
  • This respectful engagement offers a stark contrast to the present-day parliamentary culture, which is increasingly marred by polarisation and disruptions.
  • Ambedkar’s acknowledgment of dissent as a tool for refinement underscores the need for contemporary legislators to view ideological differences as opportunities for enrichment rather than obstacles to governance.

Evolution of Indian Parliamentary Democracy Over Past Few Decades

• Parliamentary Democracy: A Diminished Legacy
  • India's parliamentary democracy, once hailed as the cornerstone of the nation’s governance, has witnessed a noticeable decline in its functionality and relevance over the past few decades.
  • The ideals set by the Constituent Assembly, robust debate, consensus-building, and prioritising the nation’s collective welfare, have gradually been overshadowed by partisanship, disruptions, and procedural inefficiencies.
  • This decline is reflected across multiple dimensions, including the number of sittings, the quality of legislative debates, and the transparency of the decision-making process.
• Declining Parliamentary Sittings
  • In the early years of independent India, parliamentary sessions were more frequent, and debates were comprehensive.
  • The first Lok Sabha (1952–57) convened for 677 days, dedicating significant time to legislative and policy discussions.
  • However, in stark contrast, recent decades have seen a drastic reduction in parliamentary sittings.
  • Since the 1990s, Lok Sabha sessions have averaged only 345 days over a five-year period.
  • The 17th Lok Sabha set a troubling precedent by sitting for just 274 days during its entire term.
  • This decrease signifies a diminishing commitment to the detailed deliberation and accountability that are the lifeblood of parliamentary democracy.
• Erosion of Legislative Scrutiny
  • One of the most critical functions of Parliament is to scrutinise and refine legislation.
  • Historically, this was achieved by referring bills to Parliamentary Committees, where members could analyse proposals in-depth, consult experts, and engage with stakeholders.
  • This practice has witnessed a steep decline. In the 15th Lok Sabha, 71% of bills were sent to committees, ensuring thorough examination.
  • By the 17th Lok Sabha, this figure had fallen to a mere 16% and this shift undermines the legislative process, as complex bills are often passed without adequate discussion or revision.
• Waning Debate on the Union Budget
  • The Union Budget, a cornerstone of economic planning and resource allocation, has historically commanded significant attention in Parliament.
  • Prior to 1990, discussions on the budget spanned an average of 120 hours, allowing members to thoroughly debate fiscal priorities and policies.
  • This time has since dwindled to just 35 hours in recent years, with instances like 2023, 2018, and 2013 seeing the entire budget passed without any discussion.
  • Such trends not only diminish the role of Parliament in fiscal oversight but also weaken its ability to represent the priorities and concerns of the citizenry.
• Disruptions and Polarisation
  • Parliamentary proceedings have increasingly been disrupted by partisan conflicts, resulting in wasted time and resources.
  • For example, the 15th Lok Sabha lost 37% of its scheduled time to disruptions, while the 16th Lok Sabha lost 16%.
  • These disruptions often stem from ideological polarisation and a lack of willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.
  • Such behaviour contrasts sharply with the respectful, issue-based disagreements that characterised the debates of the Constituent Assembly.

Lessons for Today’s Parliamentarians from the Constituent Assembly

• Commitment to Consensus and Nation-Building
  • The members of the Constituent Assembly recognised the enormity of their task and despite their diverse political and ideological beliefs, they shared a collective commitment to building a cohesive nation.
  • Their deliberations reflected an unwavering focus on the common good, transcending personal or partisan interests.
  • In contrast, contemporary parliamentary proceedings are often mired in polarization and adversarial politics.
  • The spirit of consensus-building is frequently overshadowed by partisan conflicts that hinder legislative progress.
  • Today's parliamentarians must draw from the Assembly's example, setting aside differences to address critical national issues like poverty, inequality, unemployment, healthcare, and education.
• Embracing Constructive Dialogue and Respectful Disagreement
  • Constituent assembly Members often disagreed vehemently, yet their debates were marked by respect and a focus on ideas rather than personal attacks.
  • B.R. Ambedkar acknowledged the valuable contributions of dissenters like H.V. Kamath, K.T. Shah, and others, even when their views diverged from the majority. Their disagreements enriched the discussions and refined the Constitution’s provisions.
  • For today’s parliamentarians, this serves as a powerful reminder that dissent, when expressed respectfully, can be a driving force for progress.
  • The current culture of frequent disruptions, walkouts, and hostile rhetoric diminishes the quality of parliamentary debate and erodes public trust in the institution.
  • By creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and debated in good faith, Parliament can become a forum for innovation and collective problem-solving.
• Bridging Ideological Divides
  • The Constituent Assembly was a microcosm of India’s diversity, encompassing members from various regions, communities, and political backgrounds.
  • Despite this diversity, the Assembly succeeded in crafting a unified vision for the country.
  • This was possible because members recognised that their shared goal of nation-building was greater than their ideological differences.
  • Today’s Parliament operates in a more complex political landscape, with strong party systems and entrenched ideological positions.
  • However, the need to bridge divides remains as urgent as ever.

Conclusion

• The 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution is not just a celebration of a historic achievement but a call to action.
• By learning from the Constituent Assembly’s ethos, contemporary parliamentarians can address the democratic deficits that have crept into India’s parliamentary culture.
• The legacy of respectful disagreement, collective vision, and nation-building offers a roadmap for reimagining the future of India’s democracy.