xi. Leadership Roles and Responsibilities in the Indian Parliament

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xi. Leadership Roles and Responsibilities in the Indian Parliament

Role And Significance Of The Leader Of The House In The Indian Parliament	The leader of the house in either House is an important functionary and exercises direct influence on the conduct of business. He can also nominate a deputy leader of the House. Offices of the leader of the House not mentioned in the Constitution of India, they are mentioned in the Rules of the House. Under the Rules of Lok Sabha, the ‘Leader of the House’ means the prime minister, if he is a member of the Lok Sabha, or a minister who is a member of the Lok Sabha and is nominated by the prime minister to function as the Leader of the House. He acts as spokesperson of the house. He maintains coordination between all sections to facilitate harmonious debate. He is consulted by presiding officer w. r.t arrangements of government business. In the Rajya Sabha, there is also a “Leader of the House”. He is a minister and a member of the Rajya Sabha and is nominated by the prime minister to function as such.
Significance Of The Leader Of The Opposition In The Indian Parliament	Leader of the Opposition not mentioned in the Constitution of India, but mentioned in Parliamentary Statute. In each House of Parliament, there is the “Leader of the Opposition” (LoP). Criteria: The leader of the largest Opposition party having not less than one-tenth seats of the total strength of the House is recognised as the leader of the Opposition in that House. Official leader of the opposition (LoP) was recognised for the first time in 1969. LoP in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were accorded statutory recognition in 1977 (under salaries and allowances of LoP act) Conditions specified for LoP in the act – He should be member of the house Should be leader of the party in opposition having greatest numerical strength. He should be recognised by the presiding Main functions of LoP to provide constructive criticism of the policies of the government and to provide an alternative government. LoP has status, salary, allowances and other facilities equivalent to that of a cabinet minister. Ivor Jennings described the Leader of Opposition as the “Alternative Prime Minister”.
Role Of Shadow Cabinet In The Indian Parliamentary System	This unique institution called the “Shadow Cabinet” exists in the British political system. Shadow Cabinet formed by the Opposition party to – Balance the ruling cabinet. To prepare its members for future ministerial offices. In this shadow cabinet, almost every member in the ruling cabinet is ‘shadowed’ by a corresponding member in the opposition cabinet. The Shadow cabinet serves as the “alternate cabinet” if there is change of government.
Crucial Role Of Opposition In The Indian Parliament	To hold the government accountable for executive and legislative actions. To question and occasionally confront logical and persuasive arguments. To criticise the government constructively and objectively. To present an alternative perspective. Highlight governments’ lapses and lacunas. Shape and direct public opinion. To represent minority interests. Help in shaping the agenda of the government. Provide critical inputs and feedback in policy formulation.
Evolution Of Opposition Dynamics And Quality In The Indian Parliament	Till 1977, the congress was a dominant force, but the opposition though small was more effective due to high quality membership. Example: Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, today’s institution of opposition facing following quality issues Fragmented and obstructionist approach in dealing with issues. Lack of belief in debate, dissent and discussion(3Ds) Failed in performing its most fundamental and basic duties. Problem with question hours – lacks quality and content of question. Rising expenditure on parliamentary proceedings not commensurate with quality. Downgrading ethics and morality accompanied by unruly and rowdy behaviour. Frequent disruptions lead to economic inefficiency of public finances along with erosion of credibility and decorum of the house. Cash for vote, cash for query scam. Non recognition of opposition leads to absence in selection and appointments committees for important and high powered appointments. More focus on attack on personality instead of policy and programmes.
Way Forward	Opposition should work as an alternative option. Opposition should focus on critical analysis of policy and programmes Reliance on orderly debate, discussion and dialogues. Raising ethical moral standards. Integral and coordinated approach in dealing with issues. Provide inputs and feedback to the government to improve policy formulation and implementation. Highlighting questions which would serve broader public interest rather than personal ones.
Role And Function Of Whips In The Indian Parliament	Institution of the whip is based on conventional parliamentary government. It found mention neither in the Constitution of India nor in the Rules of the House nor in a Parliamentary Statute. Every political party, whether ruling or Opposition has its own whip in the Parliament. He is appointed by the political party to serve as an assistant floor leader. He is assigned responsibility of – Ensuring the attendance of his party members in large numbers Securing their support in favour of or against a particular issue. Regulates and monitors their behaviour in the Parliament. Disciplinary action can be taken in case of non-observance of directions issued to members by the party whip.