UPSC Mains 2020 GS2 Q5 — Parliamentary Speaker
'Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker' ! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha ? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India ? (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Do you thinkWhat could be
- Scope keywords
- Once a Speaker, Always a Speakerimpart objectivityoffice of the Speaker of Lok Sabhaimplicationsrobust functioning of parliamentary business
- Implicit sub-parts
- An analysis of the British convention (the source of the phrase) and why it currently differs from the Indian practice under the 10th Schedule.
- Arguments for how permanent tenure/resignation from party could shield the Speaker from partisan pressures.
- Potential risks or systemic hurdles in implementing this within the Indian multi-party parliamentary landscape.
- Impact on specific functions like anti-defection rulings and the certification of Money Bills.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much word count on the history of the British Parliament instead of the Indian context.
- Failing to mention the 10th Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) which is the primary driver of the 'objectivity' debate.
- Neglecting the 'implications' part of the question to focus only on the 'objectivity' argument.
- Ignoring the role of political parties in India who may be unwilling to 'give up' a seat in a competitive first-past-the-post system.
- Dimensions required
- Constitutional provisionsComparative Politics (UK vs India)Administrative ObjectivityLegislative EthicsAnti-Defection Jurisprudence
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to defining the convention and the current Indian context. Spend 60 words arguing for objectivity through non-partisan tenure. Dedicate 60 words to analyzing the implications for parliamentary business, ensuring a balance between stability and potential political challenges.
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