Why the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Appear in Both Houses of Parliament

In the functioning of a parliamentary system of government, it is crucial for the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to appear in both houses of parliament. This practice is rooted in the principle of accountability, ensuring that these key figures of the executive branch are subject to scrutiny and must answer queries from members of both chambers.

The Accountability Framework

The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are required to appear in both houses of the parliament primarily because they need to be answerable to members from both sides. This accountability is a cornerstone of the parliamentary system, as it ensures that the government remains transparent and responsive to the needs and concerns of the electorate.

Prerequisites for Ministers' Membership

In the Indian parliamentary system, the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, is drawn from the ruling party or political alliance. Members of the Council of Ministers are expected to be members of the parliament. However, this requirement is subject to a six-month grace period, allowing recently elected members to join the government before assuming their ministerial roles.

Role and Responsibilities

The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, collectively, are entrusted with the responsibility of running the government in the public interest. This entails that they must account for their actions and decisions to the parliamentarians. Ministers have the privilege to appear in both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) to:

Defend government policies. Deliberate on issues of concern. Discuss and debate on bills. Answer questions from fellow parliamentarians and opposition members.

These activities are vital for maintaining democratic governance, as they allow for a robust exchange of ideas and a thorough examination of governmental actions. It fosters a vibrant and dynamic parliamentary environment, reinforcing the democratic principles of transparency and responsiveness.

Challenges to Parliamentary Standards

Despite the importance of parliamentary accountability, recent years have seen some erosion of parliamentary standards. This erosion is often disguised under the guise of rules and procedures, protests, and party politics. These challenges can undermine the effectiveness of the parliamentary system and dilute the accountability of the executive branch.

Conclusion

It is imperative that the prime minister and council of ministers continue to appear in both houses of parliament. This practice ensures that the government remains accountable and responsive to the demands of the electorate. While challenges persist, it is crucial to uphold the principles of parliamentary accountability to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.