Unit II- Complete Notes, Public Policy (Vocational Paper) B. A. 3rd Semester

 Unit II

Policy Making Process in India: Role of Parliament

Parliament plays a crucial role in the policy-making process in India. As the supreme legislative body, it has the power to enact, amend, and repeal laws, thus shaping the country's public policies. The process of policy-making in India involves various stages, including the initiation, formulation, and implementation of policies, and Parliament is central to this entire process.

This topic will cover the following sections:

1. Introduction to Policy Making in India

2. Role of Parliament in the Policy-Making Process

   a. Legislative Function

   b. Deliberative Function

   c. Representation Function

   d. Oversight Function

3. Stages of Policy Making and Parliament’s Role

4. Challenges Faced by Parliament in Policy Making

5. Conclusion

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1. Introduction to Policy Making in India

Public policy in India refers to the actions taken by the government to address public issues and achieve specific goals. These policies are formulated within the framework of the Constitution and are implemented through laws, regulations, and executive orders. 

The Parliament of India, which consists of two houses—the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)—plays a significant role in this process. Parliament's primary responsibility is to legislate, and through this, it directly influences the formulation and implementation of public policies.

2. Role of Parliament in the Policy-Making Process

The Parliament of India performs multiple functions that influence the policy-making process. Its role can be understood through the following key functions:

a. Legislative Function

The primary role of Parliament in policy making is through its legislative function. Parliament enacts laws that serve as the foundation of public policies. These laws may originate as government bills or private members' bills.

- Initiation of Legislation: Policies are often initiated as bills by the government or individual members of Parliament. These bills are debated, amended, and eventually passed or rejected by Parliament.

- Example: The Right to Information Act, 2005 was passed by Parliament, providing a legal framework for ensuring transparency and accountability in government functioning.

b. Deliberative Function

Parliament acts as a forum for discussion and debate on various national issues, including policy proposals. Through deliberation, the views of different political parties and interest groups are considered, shaping the final outcome of policies.

- Debates and Discussions: Members of Parliament (MPs) debate policy issues in both houses, discussing the merits and drawbacks of proposed policies. This deliberative function ensures that policies are examined from multiple perspectives.

- Example: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill was extensively debated in Parliament before it was passed, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its implications on the economy.

c. Representation Function

Parliament represents the interests and concerns of the people, which influences the policy-making process. MPs act as representatives of their constituencies and regions, bringing the needs of their voters into the legislative framework.

- Voice of the People: MPs engage in policy debates by raising concerns from their constituencies, ensuring that public policies reflect the needs and aspirations of citizens.

- Example: During the formulation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), MPs from rural constituencies played a key role in shaping policies that provided employment opportunities in rural areas.

d. Oversight Function

Parliament exercises control over the executive branch, ensuring that policies are effectively implemented. Through parliamentary committees, question hours, and motions, MPs can hold the government accountable for policy outcomes.

- Parliamentary Committees: Standing Committees, Public Accounts Committees, and other special committees review policies and their implementation, making recommendations for improvement.

- Example: The Public Accounts Committee regularly audits government expenditure on key policies like healthcare and education, ensuring that funds are used appropriately.

3. Stages of Policy Making and Parliament’s Role

a. Policy Initiation

At this stage, Parliament plays a role in proposing and initiating policies through bills. Bills may be introduced by the government (Government Bills) or by individual MPs (Private Members’ Bills). Parliamentarians engage in the initial discussions about the need for certain policies.

- Example: The Jan Lokpal Bill, initially introduced as a Private Member’s Bill, was later modified and passed as the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, after extensive debates in Parliament.

b. Policy Formulation

Once a bill is introduced, Parliament discusses and debates its provisions. Parliamentarians propose amendments, critique various aspects, and ultimately help shape the final structure of the policy.

- Example: The formulation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 involved detailed deliberations in Parliament regarding the scope of food entitlements and the role of states in implementation.

c. Policy Legislation

This is the stage where Parliament passes the bill after detailed discussions. A bill must pass through both houses of Parliament and receive the President’s assent before it becomes a law.

- Example: The Constitution (Amendment) Act, which introduced reservations for economically weaker sections (EWS), was passed by both houses of Parliament, becoming a significant policy intervention.

d. Policy Implementation

While the executive branch implements policies, Parliament remains involved by ensuring that policies are being executed properly. MPs question ministers, demand accountability, and seek reports on policy implementation.

- Example: MPs regularly question the Ministry of Rural Development regarding the implementation of MGNREGA, ensuring that job cards and payments reach the beneficiaries in rural areas.

e. Policy Monitoring and Evaluation

Parliamentary committees, especially standing committees, play a critical role in monitoring the implementation of policies. These committees scrutinize policy outcomes, examine annual reports, and suggest changes.

- Example: The Standing Committee on Education regularly evaluates the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and recommends improvements in its coverage and quality.

4. Challenges Faced by Parliament in Policy Making

Despite its central role, Parliament faces several challenges in the policy-making process:

- Time Constraints: The limited time available for parliamentary sessions often results in rushed discussions, leading to inadequate scrutiny of important policies.

- Executive Dominance: The government, or the executive, often dominates the policy-making process, with Parliament playing a secondary role in many cases.

- Lack of Expertise: Many MPs lack technical expertise in specialized areas, making it difficult for them to fully comprehend complex policy proposals.

- Political Polarization: Increasing political polarization in Parliament often leads to disruptions, delaying the legislative process.

5. Conclusion

The role of Parliament in the policy-making process in India is multifaceted. Through its legislative, deliberative, representative, and oversight functions, Parliament influences the creation, modification, and evaluation of public policies. While challenges such as limited time and political polarization exist, Parliament remains the central institution where public policies are shaped and refined to address the needs and aspirations of the Indian people.

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