Mainstream WeeklyThe idea of a vibrant, independent, and accountable Parliament is central to making democracy work more meaningfully and purposefully. In a parliamentary democracy like India, the responsibilities, roles, and functions of Parliament increase manifold. One of the biggest achievements in India, immediately after attaining independence, was the establishment and institutionalisation of Parliament and other State legislative bodies.
In a parliamentary democracy, the executive derives its legitimacy from the legislative body, such as the Parliament or State Assembly and remains accountable to it. The government is composed of elected officials, with the Prime Minister generally selected from the majority party within Parliament. This system guarantees that the executive is accountable to the legislature and, by extension, to the citizens. The Parliament holds the responsibility of being answerable and accountable to the citizens for its operations, decision-making processes, and the governance of the country. It is obligated to maintain transparency, uphold democratic principles, and address public concerns through well-informed discussions, legislative measures, and policies that reflect the will of the people.
IN INDIA, THE parliamentary democratic system was adopted after a comprehensive debate among our visionary and sagacious national leaders, who were at the forefront of our long-drawn struggle for freedom. The members of the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution with the conviction that it best suited Indian ethos, culture, and the specificities of our nation, while the world around us expressed skepticism about our ability to operate a democratic system successfully. [1] The decision to adopt a parliamentary system of government for free India was a well-considered one. The makers of the Indian Constitution were convinced that, given India