India is a parliamentary democracy, which means that its executive derives its legitimacy from its ability to command the support of the legislature, typically a parliament. The parliament consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people, while the Rajya Sabha is indirectly elected by the state legislatures and appointed by the president.
The Rajya Sabha plays a vital role in strengthening the fundamentals of our parliamentary democracy by performing various functions. Some of these functions are:
- Representing the interests of the states and union territories: The Rajya Sabha gives voice to the diverse regions and cultures of India, as it reflects their aspirations and concerns. It also protects their rights against any encroachment by the union government. For example, some bills that affect federalism or state finances require a special majority in both houses or ratification by at least half of the states.
- Providing checks and balances on the executive: The Rajya Sabha acts as a watchdog on the executive by holding it accountable for its policies and actions. It can question, debate, criticize, amend or reject any legislation or motion initiated by or affecting the executive. It can also pass resolutions or motions expressing its opinion on any matter of public importance.
- Enhancing deliberation and quality of legislation: The Rajya Sabha contributes to improving and enriching legislation by offering its expertise, experience and perspective. It can scrutinize, review and suggest amendments to bills passed by or originating in the Lok Sabha. It can also initiate private members’ bills on matters not falling within union list.
- Promoting national integration and social justice: The Rajya Sabha fosters national unity and harmony by promoting dialogue and cooperation among different parties, groups and regions. It also upholds social justice by giving representation to marginalized sections such as women, minorities, backward classes and eminent persons from various fields.
Thus, we can see that the Rajya Sabha is an integral part of our parliamentary democracy that enhances its effectiveness, responsiveness and inclusiveness. It serves as a bridge between
- the union government and states/union territories;
- between majority rule and minority rights;
- between popular will and expert opinion;
- between diversity and unity;
- between democracy and development.
In conclusion, the Rajya Sabha is not a mere rubber stamp or a hindrance to the executive, but a vital institution that strengthens the fundamentals of our parliamentary democracy. It represents the federal and diverse nature of India; it provides checks and balances on the executive; it enhances deliberation and quality of legislation; and it promotes national integration and social justice. It is therefore important to respect its role and functions, and to ensure its effective functioning and reform in accordance with changing times and needs.
How to improve the functioning in democracy?
There are different opinions and suggestions on how to improve the functioning and reform of the Rajya Sabha. Some of them are:
- Increasing the number of seats for smaller states and union territories: Some argue that this would give them more voice and representation in the upper house, as they are often neglected or ignored by the larger states. This would also reflect the federal and diverse nature of India better.
- Reducing or abolishing the nominated members: Some contend that this would prevent political patronage and interference in the selection of eminent persons from various fields. They also question the contribution and attendance of some nominated members.
- Introducing direct elections for Rajya Sabha members: Some propose that this would make them more accountable and responsive to the people, rather than to their party or state leaders. They also claim that this would reduce horse-trading and defections among Rajya Sabha members.
- Implementing ‘one nation, one voter list’ and ‘one nation, one election’: Some suggest that this would simplify and streamline the electoral process, reduce costs and corruption, ensure uniformity and synchronicity among different levels of government, and avoid frequent disruptions due to elections.
These are some of the possible ways to improve the functioning and reform of the Rajya Sabha. However, they may also have some challenges and drawbacks, such as constitutional amendments, political consensus, legal implications, and public opinion.
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