No time for debate

The sense of immediacy that seized the UPA government in recent months is poised to spill over into the monsoon session of Parliament. With several sessions lost to the legislative stalemate engineered by the opposition BJP in response to corruption scandals engulfing the government, the UPA has its task cut out this session.

For the past two years, the two houses could pass just 49 bills with over 100 bills pending for consideration. In this monsoon session, running till August 30 over 16 sittings, 25 bills have been listed for introduction, out of which 11 bills, including the important food security legislation, have been listed for consideration and passing.

A further 32 pending bills, including the Land Acquisition Bill, the Lokpal Bill, the Women’s Reservation Bill, and the Direct Taxes Code Bill, have been listed for passing. How Parliament will find the time to pass these important legislations, with adequate debate, is beyond comprehension.

The pressure on both ruling and opposition parties to ensure a constructive session will ensure a measure of decorum. But without debate and amendments that can help iron out flaws in bills, parliament would not be doing justice to its mandate. PRS Legislative Research tells us that in 2012, 39 per cent of Lok Sabha time was lost in disruptions, and just 26 bills passed, of which 11 were discussed for less than 30 minutes.

This session’s agenda indicates that the government is seeking to project an image of coherent governance before the polls next year. The diverse basket — comprising pro-poor welfare and pro-industry economic reform legislations, bills targeting weaker sections including women and Dalits, and systemic reforms like the Lokpal and Whistleblowers Bill to assuage the anti-corruption mood — reflects the UPA’s understanding of its weaknesses.

The opposition will seek to leave their imprint on the legislations too. Most parties are committed to supporting the food security and land acquisition legislation, though the BJP and the Left are seeking amendments to the former. The BJP is expected to back the insurance and pension reforms.

If the first sitting on Monday is any indication, there are enough irritants that threaten to derail this session too; Telangana and Bodoland played spoilsport on day one. Unfortunately, this session’s limited duration and possible disruptions will relegate a majority of the bills to future sessions — perhaps even future Lok Sabhas.

Many, like the Lokpal and women’s reservation bills, have languished for years to suit vested political interests. The Supreme Court had insisted that a bill giving statutory powers to the CBI be introduced in this session, but disagreements ensured its postponement.

Parliament’s failure to legislate effectively has worsened the crisis of credibility undermining political parties. A longer session, to ensure the possibility of extensive debate, has become unavoidable.