Parliamentary Reforms for Effective Representation and Legislative Functioning
An aspirant should be able to argue that while increasing the number of MPs through delimitation addresses numerical representation, it must be accompanied by comprehensive parliamentary reforms to ensure effective legislative functioning, deliberation, and executive accountability.
Understand the issue · 1/2
Why now
01The impending delimitation debate, coupled with proposals to increase Lok Sabha strength, highlights the urgent need to address the functional capacity of Parliament to ensure effective representation and legislative accountability.
Core issue
02The article argues that merely increasing the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) through delimitation, as proposed by the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and Delimitation Bill, 2026, will not solve the problem of effective representation unless accompanied by significant parliamentary reforms. It highlights the severe lack of available floor time, the underutilization of crucial parliamentary instruments like Question Hour and Zero Hour, and the limited debate on bills and the budget. The article advocates for statutory status for Parliament's sitting time, a mandatory minimum number of working days, protected status for key parliamentary procedures, and an increase in the strength of standing committees to ensure MPs can effectively voice their constituents' concerns and hold the executive accountable.
Swipe to study · 01
Build the answer
Dimensions that matter
Challenges of current parliamentary functioning (time constraints, accountability deficit).
Impact of increased Lok Sabha strength without procedural and structural reforms.
Importance and underutilization of parliamentary instruments (Question Hour, Zero Hour, Private Member's Business).
Constitutional provisions (Article 85(1)) and the need for statutory backing for minimum sitting days.
Recommendations for strengthening legislative capacity, deliberation, and executive accountability.
Balancing numerical representation with the quality and effectiveness of legislative discourse.
Use in your answer
Answer assets
Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and Delimitation Bill, 2026
proposed to increase Lok Sabha strength from 550 to 850 members, necessitating functional reforms.
Average 18 lakh voters per Lok Sabha constituency
highlights the burden on MPs and severe disparities (e.g., Malkajgiri 37.8 lakh vs. Lakshadweep 57,953).
17th Lok Sabha data
Question Hour functioned for only 60% of scheduled time; 35% of bills passed with less than an hour of debate; 80% of the national Budget passed resorting to guillotine procedure.
Article 85(1) of the Constitution
currently mandates maximum six months between sessions; needs expansion to include a mandatory minimum working days clause.
National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution recommendation
Lok Sabha must meet for a minimum of 120 days per year to ensure adequate legislative time.
Parliamentary instruments (Question Hour, Zero Hour, Private Member’s Business)
crucial for executive accountability and raising urgent public matters, require protected status and mandatory allocated time.
How UPSC has tested it
PYQ connections
Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committee helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament.
Connection: The PYQ directly asks about the parliamentary committee system and its role in institutionalizing Parliament, which is a core aspect of effective legislative functioning and reforms.
Discuss the role of presiding officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.
Connection: The PYQ asks about the role of presiding officers in legislative work and democratic practices, which directly relates to the Speaker's role in Parliament and the broader need for reforms to improve legislative functi...
Now apply it
Write one answer
"Merely increasing the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) will not solve the problem of effective representation unless accompanied by significant parliamentary reforms." Discuss this statement in light of the challenges faced by India's parliamentary system and suggest measures to enhance the functional capacity of MPs.
Introduce the delimitation context, explain why increased numbers alone are insufficient, detail the challenges, and then propose reforms.
Write this answerThe article suggests that expanding Article 85(1) to include a mandatory minimum working days clause and giving statutory status to Parliament's sitting time are crucial for effective parliamentary functioning. Analyze the constitutional implications and practical benefits of such proposals.
Explain Article 85(1) and the current situation, then analyze the constitutional implications and practical benefits of the proposed changes.
Write this answer