Context:
Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) are proposed by Members of Parliament (MPs) who are not part of the government. Most legislation in India is introduced by the government, but PMBs allow MPs to propose laws based on personal convictions or constituency needs. Fridays in Parliament sessions are typically reserved for PMB discussions, providing MPs an opportunity for independent thought and legislative contribution.
Declining Relevance of PMBs
- Over time, the effectiveness of PMBs has significantly diminished.
- Frequent disruptions and pre-emptive adjournments have limited the time for discussion.
- Government business priorities have increasingly overshadowed PMB discussions, relegating them to symbolic gestures.
- The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24) saw 729 PMBs introduced in the Lok Sabha and 705 in the Rajya Sabha, but very few were discussed.
- 18th Lok Sabha (2024) witnessed a drastic decline, with only 20 MPs introducing PMBs, none of which were discussed in the Budget or inaugural sessions.
Significant Private Member’s Bills
- PMBs offer a platform for MPs to address societal issues and reflect public needs:
- Supriya Sule’s ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill (2019): Proposed the legal right for employees to disengage from work after hours. Though it did not proceed, it sparked important conversations on work-life balance and mental health.
- Tiruchi Siva’s ‘Rights of Transgender Persons Bill’ (2014): Became the first PMB in four decades to pass the Rajya Sabha and laid the foundation for the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
- Gopal Chinayya Shetty’s Bill (BJP): Suggested free medical and healthcare facilities for senior citizens in government and private hospitals, showcasing MPs’ ability to act on constituency concerns.
Challenges to the PMB Process
- Institutional Changes:
- The Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule), introduced to ensure political stability, limits MPs’ independence, especially those in the ruling party.
- The shift towards party-driven priorities has restricted MPs’ ability to introduce independent legislation.
- Electoral Influence: Voters often choose MPs based not only on party affiliation but also their individual integrity and constituency service, thus highlighting the importance of MP-driven legislation.
Reforms Needed for PMBs
- Protected Time for PMBs:
- PMB time should be safeguarded by amending the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business to prevent it from being overridden except in national emergencies.
- This would enable meaningful discussions and the introduction of significant bills.
- Creation of a Review Committee:
- A dedicated committee should be set up to screen PMBs for quality, relevance, and constitutionality, providing priority lists for discussion.
- A fast-track mechanism for high-impact PMBs could expedite their consideration.
- Extension of Parliamentary Hours:
- Extending the working hours of Parliament by a few hours could help ensure that PMBs receive sufficient time without hampering government business.
- Adopting International Practices:
- Introducing a Ten-Minute Rule, as practiced in the UK Parliament, could facilitate more PMBs being heard and recorded without requiring extensive time slots.
Potential Impact and the Value of PMBs
- Strengthening Democracy: The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has emphasized that PMBs serve as a “gold mine” for India’s legislative landscape, offering forward-looking solutions to contemporary issues.
- Nurturing Innovation: When adequately supported, PMBs can introduce significant policy reforms and create legislative momentum on pressing social matters.
