Methods by Which the Parliament of India Controls the Executive

Introduction

The Indian Parliament plays a crucial role in maintaining checks and balances over the executive. As a democratic institution, it ensures that the government remains accountable to the people by scrutinizing its policies, financial expenditures, and legislative decisions. The control of Parliament over the executive is essential to prevent misuse of power, uphold democratic principles, and promote good governance.

In this article, we will discuss the various methods through which the Indian Parliament exercises its control over the executive, ensuring transparency and accountability.

1. Control Through Parliamentary Questions

One of the most effective tools for keeping the executive accountable is the Question Hour and Zero Hour.

a) Question Hour

• Held in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at the beginning of each parliamentary session.
  
  
• Members of Parliament (MPs) ask questions to ministers regarding policies, administration, and government decisions.
  
  
• There are three types of questions:
  
  
  1. Starred Questions – Require oral answers and supplementary questions can be asked.
  2. Unstarred Questions – Require written responses and do not allow supplementary questions.
  3. Short Notice Questions – Asked with less than ten days’ notice and pertain to urgent matters.

b) Zero Hour

• Starts immediately after the Question Hour.
• MPs raise important national or constituency-related issues without prior notice.
• Ministers may respond to concerns, making the executive answerable in real-time.

2. Control Through Debates and Discussions

The Parliament conducts various debates and discussions to examine government policies and actions.

a) Adjournment Motion

• Used to highlight urgent public issues that require immediate government attention.
• If admitted, it suspends the regular business of the House to discuss the matter.
• Acts as an important tool to censure the government.

b) Calling Attention Motion

• Enables MPs to bring attention to specific policy matters and demand government explanations.
• Ministers provide statements, followed by parliamentary discussions.

c) No-Confidence Motion

• If the opposition believes that the government has lost its mandate, it can introduce a No-Confidence Motion.
  
  
• If the motion is passed, the government must resign.

d) Censure Motion

• Specific motion against a minister or policy.
  
  
• Unlike the No-Confidence Motion, it does not lead to resignation but acts as a strong criticism of government actions.

3. Control Through Committees

Parliamentary committees are instrumental in scrutinizing government policies, financial spending, and administration.

a) Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

• Examines government expenditure based on the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
  
  
• Ensures that public funds are utilized appropriately.

b) Estimates Committee

• Reviews budgetary estimates and suggests economies in expenditure.
• Consists of Lok Sabha members who evaluate the efficiency of projects.

c) Committee on Public Undertakings

• Examines the functioning of public sector enterprises.
• Evaluates whether PSUs are fulfilling their intended purposes efficiently.

d) Departmental Standing Committees

• Each committee specializes in a particular ministry or department.
• Reviews bills, budgets, and policies, providing detailed scrutiny.

4. Control Through Financial Powers

The Parliament has absolute control over government finances through budgetary processes and expenditure monitoring.

a) Annual Budget and Appropriation Bill

• The government cannot spend money without parliamentary approval.
• MPs review allocations and suggest changes to ensure efficient spending.

b) Cut Motions

• Allow MPs to reduce budgetary grants as a means to express dissatisfaction.
  
  
• Types of Cut Motions:
  
  
  1. Policy Cut – Reduces the grant to symbolize opposition to a policy.
  2. Economy Cut – Reduces the grant to suggest reduced government spending.
  3. Token Cut – Reduces the amount by a nominal sum to highlight a specific grievance.

c) Vote on Account

• Grants interim funds to the government to function until the annual budget is passed.
• Prevents executive overreach in financial matters.

5. Control Through Impeachment and Removal

Parliament has the power to remove high-ranking officials, ensuring accountability.

a) Impeachment of the President

• The President can be removed for violating the Constitution through an impeachment process in both Houses of Parliament.

b) Removal of Judges

• Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can be removed by Parliament for proven misbehavior or incapacity.

c) Removal of Vice-President and Governors

• Parliament can initiate proceedings for removing the Vice-President and has oversight over the dismissal of Governors.

6. Control Through Legislative Powers

Parliament ensures executive accountability through its legislative functions.

a) Approval of Bills

• The executive cannot pass laws without parliamentary approval.
• Bills undergo multiple readings and discussions before enactment.

b) Ordinance-Making Power Check

• The President can promulgate ordinances only when Parliament is not in session.
• Such ordinances must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of reassembly.

7. Control Through Judicial Review and Accountability

• The judiciary interprets the Constitution and can strike down unconstitutional executive actions.
• The executive remains bound by judicial pronouncements and legal constraints imposed by Parliament.

Conclusion

The Indian Parliament exercises substantial control over the executive through various mechanisms, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Through parliamentary questions, debates, committees, financial oversight, impeachment proceedings, and legislative scrutiny, the executive remains answerable to the people.

While these mechanisms are designed to maintain checks and balances, their effectiveness depends on active parliamentary participation, opposition vigilance, and an informed electorate. Strengthening parliamentary procedures further will enhance democratic governance and prevent executive excesses.

By maintaining a delicate balance between authority and accountability, the Indian Parliament upholds the democratic ethos of the nation, ensuring that the executive functions within the framework of constitutional principles.