Annual calendar, at least 100 sittings every year must in Parliament: O’Brien

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Issues Associated with Short Notice for Parliament Sessions

Inadequate Preparation Time:

• Short notice leaves lawmakers with little time to prepare for crucial debates and discussions.
• This can lead to superficial scrutiny of bills and motions, affecting the quality of legislative work.

Reduced Accountability and Scrutiny:

• With insufficient time, Parliament members are unable to hold the government accountable effectively.
• Parliamentary debates on national issues are rushed, reducing the chances for detailed examination.

Impact on Members’ Engagement:

• Short session notices disrupt MPs’ schedules, especially those with constituency commitments.
• Lack of preparation time affects both the members and their ability to represent the people they serve effectively.

Public Distrust:

• Unpredictable parliamentary schedules erode public trust in the functioning of the government.
• Citizens expect transparency, and sudden session announcements may raise concerns about the legislative process being manipulated.

Legislative Disorganization:

• When sessions are not planned in advance, there’s a lack of structured business, affecting the prioritization of critical national issues.
• Lack of a predictable calendar results in chaotic and disorganized parliamentary proceedings.

Way Forward: Structured Parliamentary Calendar

Introducing an Annual Parliamentary Calendar:

• The government should publish an annual calendar for Parliament, enabling all stakeholders to plan ahead.
• This can include expected session dates, discussion topics, and important legislative matters.

Mandating Minimum 100 Parliamentary Sessions:

• To ensure proper legislative functioning, at least 100 sittings per year should be conducted.
• This ensures that there’s adequate time for legislation, debates, and holding the government accountable.

Improved Session Planning:

• The planning should allow for a sufficient gap between sessions, giving members enough time for preparation and constituency work.
• A predictable session structure also improves the quality of debates and deliberations.

Conclusion

• By establishing a predictable calendar, Parliament can become more accountable, transparent, and better equipped to serve the public’s interests.

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