Private Member's Bills (PMBs) in India
Private Member's Bills (PMBs) are legislative proposals introduced by Members of Parliament (MPs) who are not Ministers. These bills allow MPs, irrespective of their political affiliation, to propose legislation based on personal beliefs or constituency needs.
Significance and Challenges
- PMBs are crucial as they allow MPs to propose laws without strict adherence to party mandates.
- Despite their importance, PMBs face numerous challenges, including frequent disruptions and prioritization of government business, reducing their effectiveness to a symbolic gesture.
- Historically, only 14 PMBs have been passed and received presidential assent since Independence, with none being passed in both Houses since 1970.
Statistics
- In the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24), 729 PMBs were introduced in the Lok Sabha and 705 in the Rajya Sabha, but only a few were discussed.
- In the 18th Lok Sabha, 64 PMBs were introduced in the Budget Sessions of 2024, but none were discussed.
Notable PMBs
- Right to Disconnect Bill: Introduced by Supriya Sule, this bill sought to grant employees the right to disengage from work communications after hours, highlighting issues of work-life balance.
- Rights of Transgender Persons Bill: Introduced by Tiruchi Siva, it became the first PMB in over four decades to be passed by the Rajya Sabha, influencing future legislative actions on transgender rights.
Ruling Party MPs and PMBs
PMBs also allow MPs from the ruling party to express independent thought. For example, BJP MP Gopal Chinayya Shetty's bill advocated for free healthcare for senior citizens, showcasing personal initiative beyond party lines.
Institutional Factors
- The Anti-Defection Law, introduced through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment, has limited MPs' capacity to deviate from party lines, making PMBs an essential avenue for independent legislative proposals.
Proposed Reforms
- Ensuring the time reserved for PMBs is protected and enforced consistently.
- Considering a review committee to screen PMBs for quality and public importance.
- Introducing a fast-track mechanism for high-impact bills.
- Extending Parliament working hours to avoid encroaching on PMB time.
- Adapting practices like the UK Parliament's Ten-Minute Rule to streamline the introduction and discussion of PMBs.
Conclusion
The Vice President of India/Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, emphasized the importance of PMBs in enhancing democracy, referring to them as "far-sighted" and a "gold mine" for India's legislative framework. These sentiments highlight the potential of PMBs when effectively nurtured and implemented.
