1. Analyzing Productivity Data
Source: Page 20 Data Table
| Period | Lok Sabha Sessions | Number of Sittings |
|---|---|---|
| 1st LS (1952-57) | 14 | 677 |
| 2nd LS (1957-62) | 16 | 567 |
| 10th LS (1991-96) | 16 | 423 |
| 13th LS (1999-04) | 14 | 356 |
Analysis Question: What trend do you see in the number of sittings over time? Answer: There is a clear downward trend. While the number of sessions remains similar, the number of sittings (actual days of work) has decreased significantly from 677 in the 1st Lok Sabha to 356 in the 13th. This indicates reduced time spent on debate and legislation.
2. Verse in Parliament
Source: Page 11 Context: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman quoted the Tirukkural in 2025. Quote: “Just as living beings live expecting rains, Citizens live expecting good governance.” Reflection: How does this quote connect the environment (rain) to politics (governance)? Insight: It suggests that good governance is as vital for survival and prosperity as rain is for agriculture and life. It sets a moral standard for the Executive.
3. Committee Reports (Case Study)
Source: Page 12 (Ayush Facilities) Scenario: A Standing Committee noticed that some states did not have a separate Department of Ayush.
- Committee Rec: Recommended the Ministry persuade States to create one.
- Action Taken: Ministry requested States/UTs to create Directorates. Currently, 24 States have them. Learning: This shows how Executive Accountability works. The Parliament (Committee) reviewed the situation, gave a recommendation, and the Ministry (Executive) had to report back on the action taken.
4. Humor in Debate
Source: Page 11 Context: Sushma Swaraj vs. Dr. Manmohan Singh (using poetry). Reflection: Why is humor important in Parliament? Insight: Humor and poetry can defuse tension during heated debates, allowing MPs to criticize the government or respond to criticism gracefully without resorting to anger or disruption.
5. Separation of Powers
Question: If the Executive is part of the Legislature, how is there separation of power? Answer:
- Personnel overlap: Yes, Ministers are MPs.
- Functional separation:
- When sitting in Parliament, they act as Legislators (making laws).
- When in their ministries, they act as Executives (implementing laws).
- Judicial Check: The Judiciary remains completely separate and independent to referee both.