Answer:

Introduction: Briefly define parliamentary control over the executive and its importance in ensuring accountability within a democracy.
Body:
- Highlight the various mechanisms like Question Hour, debates, committees, and motions that ensure parliamentary oversight.
- Explain the dilution of Parliamentary Control in ensuring accountability.
Conclusion: Conclude that while mechanisms exist, parliamentary control has been diluted over time, impacting the executive’s accountability.

Introduction:

Parliamentary control refers to the mechanisms through which the legislature oversees and holds the executive accountable, ensuring transparency and responsiveness. Provisions like Question Hour, committees, and budget scrutiny allow Parliament to hold the executive accountable for its actions and policies.

Body:

Mechanisms of Parliamentary Control:

Question Hour: Allows MPs to question ministers on policy, decisions, and actions, fostering transparency. Example: In 2012, MPs questioned the government on the 2G Spectrum Scam, prompting clarifications on corruption and spectrum allocation.
Zero Hour: MPs raise urgent issues without prior notice, pressing the executive to respond. Example: In 2020, MPs used Zero Hour to raise issues on the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Debates and Discussions: Enables thorough discussion on national policies, budgets, and bills, encouraging scrutiny. Example: The 2019 General Budget was extensively debated, covering fiscal policies, taxation, and social welfare.
Committees: Standing and select committees, like Public Accounts Committee and Estimates Committee, analyze policies, financial management, and expenditures. Example: The PAC investigated the 2010 Commonwealth Games Scam, uncovering mismanagement.
Motions (No-confidence, Adjournment): Facilitate the expression of disapproval of executive actions; a no-confidence motion can remove the government. Example: In 2018, a No-confidence motion was raised against the NDA government over farmer distress.
Budget Approval: Parliament exercises fiscal control by reviewing and approving the budget, ensuring funds are spent responsibly. The 2021 General Budget was scrutinized, addressing fiscal policies, infrastructure, and COVID-19 relief.

Dilution of Parliamentary Control:

Evasion of Parliamentary Scrutiny: The government bypasses Parliament by using mechanisms like Money Bills or Voice Votes. Example: The Aadhaar Act was passed as a Money Bill, limiting detailed parliamentary scrutiny.
Limited Referral to Parliamentary Committees: Fewer bills and policies are referred to committees for in-depth examination, reducing scrutiny. Example: Farm Laws (2020) were passed with minimal committee review, avoiding detailed debate.
Disruptions During Sessions: Frequent disruptions and protests hinder the effectiveness of Question Hour and debates. Example: 2021 Budget Session saw repeated disruptions, leading to low productivity during crucial debates and scrutiny.
Executive Dominance: The executive often acts unilaterally, limiting parliamentary oversight on significant decisions. Example: The revocation of Article 370 (2019) was done without a detailed parliamentary debate or approval.
Limited Use of the No-Confidence Motion: The No-confidence motion, a tool to hold the executive accountable, is rarely used due to political considerations. Example: Despite several contentious policies, the No-confidence motion against the ruling government has become infrequent in recent years.
Weakening of Parliamentary Procedures: Increasing reliance on ordinances and executive orders bypasses parliamentary discussion. Example: The Farm Ordinances (2020), passed without parliamentary approval, led to protests and concerns about bypassing legislative scrutiny.

Conclusion:

To ensure full accountability of the Executive to Parliament, certain measures must be implemented. The 15-point reform charter proposed by the Vice President should be adopted. Also, the committee system must be strengthened by ensuring that committee members are appointed based on domain expertise and serve longer, assured terms.

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