By Danish Raza
New Delhi: Sixty years seem too little a time to infuse discipline in our Parliamentarians and till date discussions on relevant issues look like the last preference for those occupying Parliament.
The last Budget session- that was adjourned sine die on May 22 — saw 92 percent of the demands for grants getting sanctioned without any discussion on the floor of the House. MPs were too busy attacking the ruling UPA 2 over Telangana, Naxalism, Bofors and Aircel- Maxis deal.
During every Budget session, Ministries present their demand for grants, which are scrutinized at two levels- standing committee and floor of the House. In the latest Budget session, various ministries demanded total grants worth Rs. 1,292,495 crore.
Out of this, only 8 percent of the total demands — made by four Ministries viz Commerce and Industry, Health and Family Welfare, Home Affairs and Urban Development — were discussed in Parliament.
Demands for grants made by other Ministries amounting to Rs. 1,184,583 crore were approved without discussion.
If this looks alarming, consider the fact that the latest Budget session was not an exception. Discussions over demands for grants are becoming casualty in Parliament year after year.
