Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
2) Through its oversight function, Parliament holds the government accountable and ensures that policies are efficient and in keeping with the needs of citizens. What mechanisms are available to the Parliament to conduct oversight of the executive? Also in the light of criticisms made against parliament’s this role, discuss major recommendations to strengthen this function of Parliament. (250 Words)
Why this question?
Balance between three organs of state is a favourite issue with UPSC. This issue is also important from exam point of view.
Key demand of the question:
Like yesterday’s question, this is a direct question whose demand is self evident in the question. But in the second part, you should write about current affairs while making recommendations.
Directive Word:
First question is direct one and you need to write about the mechanisms.
Discuss: In the second part, categorise recommendations into 6 parts as given in the document. But, for each part add current affairs example (for ex, in the first part about convening of Parliament, give stats about how many days parliament worked in past 2-3 years in each session – ADR report)
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write the importance of parliament’s oversight of executive without affecting independence of the executive.
As discussed above, body should have Two Parts. First part is direct as mentioned above. In the second part, there should be four parts as mentioned above.
In the conclusion, write about eroding trust of public in the parliament and executive and need to strengthen their mutual relationship in the interest of development.
