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India follows a Parliamentary system of government, which is deeply inspired by the British Westminster model. This system ensures a close relationship between the legislature and the executive, where the executive is accountable to the legislature for its actions and policies. It reflects the democratic spirit of the Constitution of India and embodies the principle of collective responsibility.
1. Meaning and Features of the Parliamentary System
A parliamentary system is one in which the executive derives its legitimacy from the legislature and is responsible to it. The head of the state is distinct from the head of the government.
Key Features:
Nominal and Real Executive: The President is the nominal or constitutional head, while the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are the real executive authorities.
Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the government must resign.
Fusion of Powers: There is no strict separation of powers; rather, there is an overlap between the executive and the legislature.
Leadership of Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the real center of power, leading the Council of Ministers and the majority party.
Bicameral Legislature: The Indian Parliament consists of two houses—Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Political Homogeneity: Usually, the members of the executive belong to the same political party or coalition having a majority in the Lok Sabha.
Opposition and Accountability: The system provides for a Leader of the Opposition and ensures regular debates, discussions, and question hours, making the government answerable to Parliament.
2. Structure of the Indian Parliament
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body.
It consists of:
1. President of India
2. Lok Sabha – directly elected by the people.
3. Rajya Sabha – represents the states of the Union.
Lok Sabha:
Maximum strength – 552 members (530 from states, 20 from Union Territories, and 2 nominated from Anglo-Indians, though nomination now discontinued by the 104th Amendment).
Tenure – 5 years, unless dissolved earlier.
It controls the executive and holds the power to make laws on all subjects in the Union List.
Rajya Sabha:
Maximum strength – 250 members (238 from states and UTs, 12 nominated by the President for contribution to arts, science, literature, or social service).
It is a permanent house, with one-third of members retiring every two years.
It represents the federal nature of India’s polity.
3. Executive in the Parliamentary System
President: The nominal executive; acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 74).
Prime Minister: The real executive head and leader of the majority party.
Council of Ministers: Includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers who collectively formulate and implement government policies.
4. Advantages of the Parliamentary System
Responsible Government: Ensures continuous accountability of the executive to the legislature.
Collective Decision-Making: Promotes coordination and cooperation among ministers.
Flexibility: Allows the government to change without constitutional crisis (through elections or no-confidence votes).
Representation: Reflects the democratic will of the people through the elected legislature.
Prevents Autocracy: Checks and balances between the legislature and executive prevent concentration of power.
5. Criticisms of the Parliamentary System
Political Instability: Coalition politics often leads to unstable governments.
Executive Dominance: The Prime Minister may become too powerful, overshadowing Parliament.
Frequent Dissolutions: Government may dissolve before completing its term.
Lack of Expertise: Ministers are often chosen for political reasons, not administrative expertise.
Delay in Decision-Making: Excessive discussions and political considerations can slow governance.
6. Comparison with Presidential System
Feature Parliamentary System Presidential System
Executive-Legislature Relationship Fusion Separation
Executive Accountability To Legislature Not accountable
Stability Less stable More stable
Flexibility High Low
Head of State & Government Separate Unified.
7. Conclusion
The Indian Parliamentary System combines democracy with accountability, making it suitable for a diverse and federal country like India. While it faces challenges such as coalition politics and legislative inefficiency, its democratic spirit, adaptability, and responsiveness to public opinion have kept it resilient. Strengthening parliamentary procedures, ensuring transparency, and reforming political practices can make it more effective and in tune with India’s democratic aspirations.
In essence, India’s parliamentary system upholds the principle of “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people”, making it a cornerstone of the Indian democracy and a vital topic for UPSC preparation.
