26 November 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. The consensus document     

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Editorial Page; Page: 12)

Topic: GS2 – Polity

Context:

The article reflects on the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution, emphasizing lessons from the Constituent Assembly’s democratic ethos to inspire modern parliamentary engagement.

Celebrating 75 Years of India’s Constitution

• On November 26, India marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution, a pivotal moment in its democratic history. The vision of the Constituent Assembly, realized through a democratic, consultative, and inclusive process, continues to inspire the nation.
• As we commemorate this milestone, it is essential to honor the contributions of the Assembly’s members while drawing lessons from their commitment to consensus-building and respectful deliberation.
• These lessons are particularly relevant for modern Members of Parliament (MPs) in fulfilling their constitutional duties and respecting diverse perspectives in governance.

The Vision of the Constituent Assembly

• The Constituent Assembly exemplified a remarkable ability to foster respectful debate and ideological diversity.
• Members came from diverse backgrounds and engaged in discussions with sincerity and conviction. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s tribute to the Assembly highlights this spirit, where dissenting voices enriched the process.
• He celebrated individuals like K.T. Shah and Pandit Kunzru, whose ideological challenges enlivened debates and allowed him to expound on constitutional principles.
• The Assembly’s debates showcased the importance of respecting opposing viewpoints without questioning motivations or commitments.
• This hallmark of constructive dialogue is a valuable lesson for today’s political climate, where polarization often overshadows substantive discourse.

Challenges in Modern Parliamentary Functioning

The evolution of India’s parliamentary democracy over the last two decades reveals troubling trends that necessitate introspection. Parliament has seen a sharp decline in productivity and engagement:

• Reduced Sittings and Legislative Efficiency: Before 1990, the Lok Sabha convened for 550 days per term on average, compared to 345 days post-1990. The 17th Lok Sabha recorded just 274 sittings over five years, a significant drop from 677 sittings in the 1st Lok Sabha.
• Decreased Committee Referrals: The percentage of bills referred to Parliamentary Committees declined from 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha to 16% in the 17th Lok Sabha, diminishing the quality of legislative scrutiny.
• Limited Deliberations: Bills are often passed with minimal debate. Over 35% of bills in the 15th and 17th Lok Sabha were passed in under an hour, undermining democratic engagement.

These statistics underline the need for MPs to reimagine democratic engagement, prioritizing meaningful debate and consensus-building.

Lessons for Today’s Parliamentarians

The Constituent Assembly’s deliberative culture provides three critical lessons for contemporary lawmakers:

• Commitment to Dialogue: Members of the Assembly engaged in open discussions, recognizing that reasonable people could hold different perspectives. This spirit of dialogue is essential in addressing complex modern issues.
• Inclusivity in Decision-Making: Despite ideological differences, the Assembly demonstrated a collective commitment to nation-building. Modern MPs must emulate this inclusivity to address pressing issues such as poverty, education, and environmental challenges.
• Respect for Institutional Integrity: The Assembly valued the role of Parliament as a forum for constructive debate and collaboration. Rebuilding faith in Parliament requires today’s leaders to uphold its dignity and promote mutual respect.

The Power of Pluralism and Collective Consciousness

• The Constituent Assembly thrived on pluralistic views, even within similar ideological leanings. This enriched the democratic culture and fostered a sense of fraternity among members.
• While the Assembly did not face the constraints of rigid party discipline seen today, its collaborative spirit remains a guiding light for addressing modern challenges.
• India’s constitutional history demonstrates the extraordinary power of collective efforts in nation-building.
• The motivations of today’s MPs, regardless of political ideology, should align with the Assembly’s vision of a united and prosperous India.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Future of Parliamentary Democracy

• The 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption is a moment for introspection and renewal.
• As we honor the visionaries of the Constituent Assembly, their commitment to dialogue, diversity, and consensus must inspire current and future parliamentarians.
• Strengthening India’s parliamentary democracy requires embracing the Assembly’s ethos to address the nation’s pressing challenges and uphold the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.

What are the Core Constitutional Values of India?

Respect for Democratic Institutions: Since the Constitution’s adoption in 1949, India’s life expectancy has increased from 32 to 70 years. This development has fostered respect for democratic institutions. The 2024 general election saw a voter turnout of 65.79%, demonstrating faith in democracy. Smooth Transition of Power: Over seven decades, India has seen peaceful transitions of power across various political parties. Despite intense election campaigns, results reflect the will of the people. This commitment to democratic processes is a key value. Protection of Rights and Freedoms: The Constitution safeguards fundamental rights through courts. The framers, many of whom were part of the freedom movement, prioritized protecting individual rights from state power. This principle remains robust in India. Federalism: India’s federal system respects its diversity. State-level political parties have grown in strength, contributing to coalition governments. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments strengthened local governance through panchayati raj institutions and nagarpalikas. Role of Media and Civil Society: Media and civil society contribute to democracy by providing diverse perspectives and access to information. While challenges exist, media transparency has fostered an informed electorate, strengthening India’s democratic framework.

PYQ: Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day :(2023)   Statement-I: The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.   Statement-II: On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?   (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I   (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I   (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect   (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct   Ans: (c)

Practice Question: The 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution highlights the enduring relevance of the Constituent Assembly’s principles of inclusivity, dialogue, and consensus. Critically analyze the lessons contemporary Indian Parliamentarians can draw from the Constituent Assembly debates to strengthen parliamentary democracy in India. (250 words/15 m)