Importance of Parliamentary Proceedings during COVID – UPSC GS2

No Parliamentary proceedings are being held in India during COVID.

Many opposition MPs are demanding virtual proceedings.

Some democracies used conventional ways and continued to meet physically, but with restrictions.

Some switched to virtual meetings with the help of technologies that allow remote working.

UK has adopted hybrid models. In this, a mix of members is present in the chamber and others participate by video conference.

Many states have had to change laws and relax procedures, reset minimum number rules, and rearrange venues.

In India, the government shows little or no urgency for parliamentary proceedings.

It has shown high resistance to suggestions and interferences by Opposition leaders.

For example, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s suggestions were quickly disregarded by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan earlier.

It is very important for governments to listen, learn and correct errors to find the best way forward.

The response to a national health crisis needs the participation of all the people’s representatives, across states and party.

The virus has brought death and distress to every constituency.

To battle this, MPs must group ideas and resources, ask questions and apply the check and balance.

The House should reopen its doors virtually to ensure that the executive does not remain limited to echo chambers of its own making.

In a shared crisis, one-sided responses are terribly insufficient and even counter-productive. Parliament must return as a space for a wider discussion. The government must take the lead and make this happen.