Recently, the House of the People completed its monsoon session. With the introduction of numerous bills, incomplete debates and expected high-profile discussions amidst intense political chaos, the session was eyed by people across the country.
The same people, whose taxes fuelled the Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament. On 15th August, the day India proudly celebrated its 80th Independence Day, the day democracy was set in motion, we saw that democracy in weak pursuit — and this is the story of every quarterly session of Parliament.
The Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Kiren Rijiju, admitted that the Lok Sabha functioned with 19% productivity through the Monsoon Session that lasted from July 20, 2026 to August 13, 2026, with both Houses scheduled to meet for 19 days. The Rajya Sabha functioned at 39% productivity.
Out of the 12 bills passed during the session, only one — the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 — was actually debated in both Houses. Frequent adjournments meant MPs from both sides sidelined the real purpose, turning Parliament into a show for their political stance.
Not to forget the CJP protests which have heavily impacted institutionalised democracy in its true sense. With the former Education Minister, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, the Cabinet was obviously shaken. Mr Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of the Education Ministry while continuing as Minister for Consumer Affairs on 26th July, 2026.
There were hopes that this move would cool down the heat, but the wave of student agitations continued till India's mineral shrine, Jharkhand. Accountability came with the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL and TDPL recruitment examinations by the Jharkhand Cabinet, following the 16-day hunger strike led by student activist Mr Devendra Nath Mahto.
During the Winter Session of 2025, there was a similar experience — bills without debates, dismissals without reasons and conciliation to the public without accountability. So, the pattern of incomplete performances of Parliament has been a steady phenomenon for long.
The pattern is not new
Historically, there have been sessions with extremely low productivity:
- Winter Session (2010): Washout over 2G spectrum (Lok Sabha 5%, Rajya Sabha 2%)
- Winter Session (2013): Protests over Telangana (Lok Sabha 6%, Rajya Sabha 19%)
- Winter Session (2016): Demonetisation protests (Lok Sabha 15%, Rajya Sabha 18%)
- Budget Session (2023): Adani group and disqualification controversies (Lok Sabha 33%, Rajya Sabha 24%)
There has also been a tremendous decline in sittings. The 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) held only 274 sittings across 15 sessions — the lowest for any full-term Lok Sabha in Indian history. The share of bills sent to Parliamentary Standing Committees dropped from 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha to roughly 16% in the 17th Lok Sabha.
Who pays for it
In the Union Budget 2026–27, a total of ₹1,492 crore was allocated to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats, which run the daily operations of both Houses, have their own separate allocations in the Budget documents. This is the taxpayer money that goes into keeping the institution of Parliament functioning.
Imagine a middle-class taxpayer who works hard to earn their daily bread, perhaps sacrifices their own desires to fulfil their family's wishes, and unknowingly also contributes to Parliament's functioning. They hope to see the government frame and discuss reforms for them, the opposition scrutinise their concerns. However, all they see is a bunch of people in a building. To them, it's just a building which functions and pays them every month. But to the taxpayer, that building is what democracy is.
Why is it not possible to have a Parliament session well spent? Well spent for the public who can stay content that their concerns are listed, tabled, discussed and attended to.
For this, it is neither the government nor the opposition alone to blame. Both sides must take a balanced and accountable hold of their responsibilities.
Democracy is a shared responsibility
Democracy is not merely about free and fair elections. It is not merely ruling vs opposition. It is a responsibility on the shoulders of the government, the opposition, the public who constitutes it, and the media as the critical fourth pillar.
Almost eight decades since its formal adoption, India can no longer claim to still be a learner of democracy. We call ourselves the mother of democracy — if our own Parliament performs below average, it is a shame for all of us.
Watch out, dear citizens! Let us be a responsible parent to our democracy.
Sources
- India Today — Parliament budget allocation, Union Budget 2026-27
- The Hindu — The many lows of the 17th Lok Sabha
- PRS Legislative Research — Functioning of the 17th Lok Sabha
This is a guest opinion piece. The views expressed are the author's own and do not represent the editorial position of The Balanced News.
Yashi Pandey writes on Indian politics and democratic accountability. Connect with her on LinkedIn.