Parliamentary System

In India, we follow the Parliamentary System. Article 73 and Article 74 of the Indian Constitution state that there shall be a Parliamentary system of government at the central level. Article 74 states that there shall be a Prime Minister who would be appointed by the President. The Prime minister would be aided and advised by the council of ministers as stated in Article 74. Article 163 and article 164 deal with the Parliamentary system of government at the state level. 

The Indian parliamentary form is also known as the “Cabinet form of government” or the “responsible form of government”. In nations like Japan and Canada, a parliamentary known as the “Westminster model of government”. 

The “cabinet form of government” was the phrase used by Ivor Jennings to describe the Indian Parliamentary Government. This is because all major decisions are taken here. The Prime Minister holds the real power in a democracy and takes all the important decisions.

The Parliamentary system is considered more responsible because it has a number of regional parties from various parts of the country. Hence, they voice the opinions of millions of citizens at provincial and central levels.

The Two Houses Of Government

The first general elections were conducted from October 25 to February 21 in 1951, and the first Lok Sabha was seated on April 17 of that year.

Legislative assembly members are chosen according to provisions in Article 81. As stated in this page, the maximum number of participants should be as follows:

• No more than two members of the Anglo-Indian Community may be nominated by the President if the President feels that the Anglo-Indian Community is underrepresented in the Parliament.
• As a result, the Lok Sabha now has a total of 552 members.

The ‘Council of States’, also known as the ‘Rajya Sabha’, is the second chamber of the Indian parliament and dates back to the 1919 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.

While Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament and dissolves every two years (as does Rajya Sabha), it serves as a revisionary house (reviewing legislation approved by Lok Sabha) and provides some continuity in the fundamental policies of laws enacted by the Parliament via its position as the second chamber.

In addition, the Rajya Sabha serves as a mechanism of institutionalising the federal idea of power-sharing between the central government and the states.

Rajya Sabha’s function and significance have been a subject of contention from the time of the constituent assembly to the present day.

Features Of Parliamentary Government

The President is the de jure head, while the Prime Minister is the real or de facto head of the government. The Prime Minister has the lion’s share of actual executive authority. According to Article 74, the President and Prime Minister are supported and advised by a council of ministers.

• The ministers swim and sink together.
• They enjoy double membership. 
•  The Prime Minister is the leader of the Council of Ministers and plays an essential role in the system of governance.
• The ministers swear an oath of secrecy before entering the office.

Constitutional safeguards against arbitrary rule are provided for in the Indian Constitution by ensuring functional separation of powers between the three governmental bodies, as well as checks and balances between the three governmental bodies.

Merits Of The Parliamentary System Of Government

• The Parliamentary system of Government shows comprehensive representation since it has members from all communities, regions, relations, and sections. Candidates are selected from various parts of the nation.
• Indian voters get to directly vote for the candidate they like. They can judge the individual on the basis of their performance and not on fake claims.
• This way the voters can keep a check on them to avoid the misuse of power.
• Passing and implementing laws is easier in this form of government since it is passed by the majority.
• This system ensures that the power is not concentrated within the hands of one person.
• It also ensures smooth functioning and harmony between the two organs of the Executive and the Legislature, which are interdependent.

Differences Between The British and The Indian Model Of Governance

• The Indian model of governance is the parliamentary system. The British model is also the same. However, some differences exist between the two as Britain follows a monarchical system while India follows a republican system.

• The Head of the State in India or the President is elected, while the Head of the State or King or Queen enjoys hereditary powers.

• The British system runs on the Doctrine of sovereignty, while in India, there are limitations and restrictions on the powers of the Parliament. These are not absolute or supreme.

• Britain follows a system of legal responsibility and shadow cabinet, while there is no such system in India.

Reasons For Choosing The Parliamentary System In India

The American system provides more stability but less accountability, whereas the British system provides greater responsibility but less stability. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the economist and Dalit leader who headed the committee drafting the Constitution of India, said that “a democratic executive must offer foundation, stability, and responsibility”. Accordingly, the drafting committee suggested the parliamentary system for India because it offered greater accountability over a presidential one. The parliamentary system resonated with the character of the Indian society since it is diverse and multifaceted, unlike many other countries. 

Conclusion

Parliament is an essential part of our democratic system. It serves as a check on the Government’s operations. A functioning Parliament is essential to the fulfilment of Parliament’s constitutional mandate. For effective legislation, a comprehensive review of bills is required. Passing legislation without consulting committees undermines the democratic process. The morality of a government’s citizens is just as important as their economic well-being. 

The political system must nurture a national vision, provide justice, promote participation, and assure inclusive growth. Thus, this system caters well to the needs of our society.