Private Member’s Bills (PMBs)
Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) serve as important mechanism in India’s parliamentary system. They allow Members of Parliament (MPs) who are not Ministers to propose legislation. This system has become increasingly symbolic due to various challenges. Recent sessions have seen a decline in meaningful discussions on PMBs, raising concerns about democratic engagement.
About Private Member’s Bills
PMBs are introduced by individual MPs from both ruling and opposition parties. Unlike government bills, PMBs reflect personal convictions and constituency needs. They are typically discussed on Fridays, a day designated for such legislative activities. However, disruptions and adjournments have hindered their progress.
Trends in Recent Lok Sabhas
In the 17th Lok Sabha, 729 PMBs were introduced, yet only 16 were discussed. The 18th Lok Sabha has seen a similar trend, with only 20 MPs introducing PMBs so far. This indicates decline in legislative activity related to PMBs.
Notable Examples of PMBs
The ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill introduced by Supriya Sule in 2019 is a prominent example. It aimed to protect employees from work-related communication outside of official hours. Although it did not advance, it initiated a national dialogue on work-life balance. Another notable PMB was the ‘Rights of Transgender Persons’ Bill, which became the first PMB to pass in over four decades.
Challenges Faced by PMBs
Institutional changes have limited the effectiveness of PMBs. The Anti-Defection Law has restricted MPs’ ability to deviate from party lines. This has reduced the space for independent legislative initiatives. PMBs remain one of the few avenues for MPs to propose alternative policies.
Reforms to Enhance PMB Effectiveness
To improve the PMB process, several reforms are necessary. Protecting the time allocated for PMBs is crucial. Parliament should consider a review committee to assess the quality and relevance of proposed bills. A fast-track mechanism could expedite high-impact PMBs. Extending working hours could also ensure that PMBs are discussed meaningfully.
International Practices
The UK Parliament’s Ten-Minute Rule allows MPs to introduce PMBs with short speeches. Adopting a similar approach in India could increase the number of legislative ideas presented.
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