The Consensus Document: A Lesson for Today’s Parliamentarians (GS Paper 2, Polity)
Context: The Consensus Republic
- As India celebrates the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on November 26, it is an opportune moment not only to acknowledge the legacy of this monumental document but also to reflect on the contributions of the Constituent Assembly.
- Beyond drafting a transformative legal framework for the nation, the assembly’s ability to navigate dissent, foster dialogue, and build consensus offers valuable lessons for today’s parliamentarians.
The Constituent Assembly: A Model of Deliberation
- One of the most significant lessons from the Constituent Assembly debates is the ability of individuals to engage in respectful disagreement.
- While the assembly members came from vastly different backgrounds, ideologies, and experiences, they engaged in profound debates on issues ranging from governance to social justice without questioning each other’s integrity or values.
- In fact, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar admired the assembly’s openness to dissent, considering it a testament to the democratic values of the country.
- The debates in the Constituent Assembly were a model of sincerity, conviction, and mutual respect—values that seem to have weakened over time in contemporary political discourse.
- Today’s parliamentarians could greatly benefit from revisiting the practice of constructive debate where different viewpoints are seen as contributing to a richer understanding of national issues rather than as threats to one’s position.
The Decline of Parliamentary Productivity: A Dismal Trend
Over the past two decades (2004-2024), India’s parliamentary democracy has witnessed a marked decline in effectiveness. Key statistics reveal the worrying trend:
- Before 1990, each Lok Sabha convened for 550 days, amounting to over 3,500 hours of legislative business, but post-1990, this declined to 345 days and 1,800 hours.
- The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) saw the lowest number of sittings, with only 274 days in five years.
- Legislative productivity has plummeted, with the 15th Lok Sabha (2009-2014) passing 192 bills compared to 487 bills passed in the 5th Lok Sabha (1971-1977).
- The proportion of bills being referred to Parliamentary Committees also decreased sharply, from 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha to 16% in the 17th Lok Sabha.
- Disruptions have become a frequent feature, with the 15th Lok Sabha losing 37% of scheduled time to disruptions, and the 16th Lok Sabha losing 16%.
The average time dedicated to the Union Budget discussion has also sharply declined, from 120 hours before 1990 to just 35 hours post-1990. In some recent years, the entire budget was passed without any meaningful discussion.
These figures highlight a growing disconnect between the parliamentarians and the people they represent. The trend of low engagement, disruptions, and lack of deliberation contrasts sharply with the Constituent Assembly’s culture of informed and thoughtful debate.
Lessons from the Constituent Assembly
What can today’s parliamentarians learn from the Constituent Assembly?
- Ability to Engage in Productive Debate: The Constituent Assembly was composed of diverse individuals, representing a broad spectrum of political, social, and ideological viewpoints. Despite differences, members debated complex issues with a shared commitment to the nation’s future. The culture of respectful disagreement and intellectual rigor that characterized the assembly could reinvigorate today’s political dialogues.
- Political Consensus: One of the greatest achievements of the Constituent Assembly was its ability to develop political consensus on matters of national importance. While there were disagreements, the overall spirit was one of collaboration. This spirit of unity in diversity is vital for addressing contemporary issues such as economic inequality, social justice, and national security.
- Pluralism and Democratic Culture: The pluralistic views espoused during the Constituent Assembly debates laid the foundation for a democratic culture. This culture was not just about policy decisions but about creating a system where diverse voices and concerns were heard and respected. This pluralism should remain a cornerstone of India’s parliamentary practices.
Reimagining Parliament for the Future
- The 75th anniversary of the Constitution presents an opportunity to reflect on the future of India’s parliamentary democracy.
- The debates of the Constituent Assembly offer a blueprint for how the country can revive a culture of respectful dialogue, productive discussions, and political collaboration.
- The Constitution’s framers understood the importance of a functioning democracy and how crucial it was for parliamentarians to rise above petty politics and focus on the larger good of the nation.
- Today, as India faces new challenges—be it economic, social, or environmental—the need for effective governance through meaningful parliamentary debate has never been greater.
- It’s time to look back at the Constituent Assembly's example, where dialogue was rooted in a shared commitment to building a democratic nation, and apply those lessons to reimagine India’s Parliament for future generations.
Conclusion
- As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India, let us not only commemorate the document itself but also the spirit of collaboration and respect that guided its creation.
- The Constituent Assembly's ability to come together, despite its diverse perspectives, can serve as an important lesson for contemporary parliamentarians.
- Reflecting on their constructive debates and commitment to consensus may provide the necessary tools to rebuild a culture of democratic engagement in India’s Parliament, ensuring that the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity continue to guide the nation.
