W HY DO WE NEED A P ARLIAMENT ? Legislature is not merely a law making body. Lawmaking is but one of the functions of the legislature. It is the centre of all democratic political process.
It is packed with action; walkouts, protests, demonstration, unanimity, concern and co-operation. All these serve very vital purposes. Indeed, a genuine democracy is inconceivable without a representative, efficient and effective legislature. The legislature also helps people in holding the representatives accountable.
This is indeed, the very basis of representative democracy. Yet, in most democracies, legislatures are losing central place to the executive. In India too, the Cabinet initiates policies, sets the agenda for governance and carries them through. This has led some critics to remark that the Parliament has declined.
But even very strong cabinets must retain majority in the legislature. A strong leader has to face the Parliament and answer to the satisfaction of the Parliament. Herein lies the democratic potential of the Parliament. It is recognised as one of the most democratic and open forum of debate.
On account of its composition, it is the most representative of all organs of government. It is above all, vested with the power to choose and dismiss the government. Activity Consider these newspaper reports and then think: what would happen if there were no legislatures? After reading each news report, state how the legislature succeeded or failed in maintaining control over the executive.
l th February : The Union Finance Minister, Jaswant Singh, announced in the Union budget proposal an increase of Rs. in the price of a kg bag of urea and a smaller increase in the price of two other fertilizers which constituted about per cent rise in prices. The current urea price of Rs. , a tonne carries a subsidy of as much as per cent.