Dr.Ambedkar’s Thought on Parliamentary Democracy
Today we see so many challenges before Indian democracy. Communalism, religious, terrorism, casts; all round corruption, Socio-economical problems. As well as mass poverty, unemployment, inequality, illiteracy is also posing a serious challenge to the working of democracy. So now a day we always hear that Parliamentary or Presidential form of democracy will be suitable for Indian democracy?
Some days ago Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, “The demand by the Opposition for JPC into the 2G spectrum allocation row was illogical and if they have no faith in parliamentary democracy then they should 'join the Maoists'”.
The total winter session of Parliament was lost. It proves that the opposition has no faith in parliamentary democracy. Such type of sentences read or heard by common people. They would confuse. We know that Dr.Ambedkar is founder father of parliamentary democracy. So we need to think his thought is relevance today or not? So in this paper focus & discussed on why Dr.Ambedkar accepted parliamentary democracy? Which conditions are essential for success?etc.
Ø Importance of Parliamentary Democracy:
We know that Dr.Ambedkar’s faith in democracy. Dictatorship may be able to produce results quickly; effective in maintaining discipline but cannot be one's choice as a permanent form of government. Democracy is superior because it enhances liberty. People have control over the rulers. Among the different forms of democratic government, Ambedkar choice fell on the parliamentary form. In this case also he was in agreement with many other national leaders. Ambedkar was a strong supporter of democracy. According to him, it was only form of government through which basic social, economical & political changed would be brought about without bloodshed. Ambedkar Personally favored parliamentary system of government. This system could more appropriate to make unity of the country. This system makes administration run more effectively & efficiently. So Ambedkar feels that parliamentary form of democracy faced with the problem of adjustment between majority- minority communities.
Ø History of Parliamentary Democracy:
Gandhi while acknowledging our debt to Britain with regard to parliamentary government had observed that the roots of it were present in India in the age-old system of the village panchayats. Dr Ambedkar explained in the constituent assembly that the Buddhist sanghas were parliamentary type of institutions and that in their functioning modern parliamentary devices like resolutions, divisions, whips, etc. were used. These elements in our heritage made it possible and easy for India to adopt the parliamentary system of democracy. Besides, as Dr Ambedkar told the Constituent Assembly, the drafting committee chose this system because they preferred more responsibility to stability which could slip into authoritarian exercise of power.
Ø Distinguish between Parliamentary & Presidential Democracy:
Dr. Ambedkar made an exhaustive and authoritative statement on the general character of the Executive while introducing the Draft Constitution in the Constituent Assembly on November 4, 1948. He observed inter-alia:
"The Parliamentary system differs from a non-Parliamentary system in as much as the former is more responsible than the latter but they also differ as to the time and agency for assessment of their responsibility. Under the Non-Parliamentary system, such as the one that exists in the United States of America, the assessment of the responsibility of the executive is periodic. It takes place once in two years. It is done by the electorate. In England, where the Parliamentary System prevails, the assessment of responsibility of the executive is both daily and periodic. The daily assessment is done by members of Parliament, through questions, resolutions, no-confidence motions, adjournment motions and debates on Addresses. Periodic assessment is done by the electorate at the time of the election-which may take place every five years or earlier. The daily assessment of responsibility which is not available under the American system is, it is felt far more effective than the periodic assessment and far more necessary in a country like India. The Draft Constitution in recommending the Parliamentary System of executive has preferred more responsibility to more stability.”
Ø India Adopted Form of Parliamentary Democracy:
India i.e. Bharat is a Union of States. It is a Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic with a parliamentary system of government. The Republic is governed in terms of the Constitution of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950.The Constitution provides for a Parliamentary form of government which is federal in structure with certain unitary features.
Ø Relation of Parliament with Executive:
One of the most important questions which engaged the attention of the framers of the Constitution was the nature of the Executive and its relation with the Legislature. Dr. Ambedkar observed in introducing the Constitution:
"A student of constitutional law, if a copy of a Constitution is placed in his hands, is sure to ask two questions. Firstly, what is the form of Government that is envisaged in the Constitution; and secondly what is the form of the Constitution. For these are the two crucial matters which every Constitution has to deal with."
Ø Features of Democracy :
As per thought of Dr.Ambedkar, following features are essential for democracy
· Democracy is an instrument of bringing about change peacefully.
· Democracy is a way of realizing drastic changes in the social and economic spheres of society.
· Democracy is much more than just a scheme of government.
· Its usefulness depends upon its relationship with the other spheres of society. Elections, parties and parliaments are formal institutions of democracy.
· Political democracy means the principle of 'one man one vote', this indicates political equality.
· Democracy means a spirit of fraternity and equality and not merely a political arrangement.
· Parliamentary democracy was based on liberalism.
· Parliamentary democracy emphasized on liberty and equality.
· Establishing democracy is a revolution. Which would be a revolution in the social structure and attitudes of the people.
· In the place of hereditary inequality, the principles of brotherhood and equality must be established.
Therefore, Ambedkar supported the idea of all-round democracy.
Ø Conditions for success of democracy:
As per view of Dr.Ambedkar, following conditions must be fulfilled for the successful functioning of this form of government,.
· Political parties are necessary for the effective working of parliamentary democracy.
· Parliamentary government is known as responsible government mainly because the executive is constantly watched and controlled by the opposition.
· Equal respect and official status for the opposition.
· Neutral and non-political civil service.
· Democracy depends on many ethical and moral factors.
· A country must have a constitution.
· People and politicians must follow honest and responsible behavior in the society.
· Minority must feel free, safe and secure in the nation
· . Caste system could become the most difficult obstacle in the successful functioning of democracy.
Ø Conclusion:
Lastly we can conclude that-
· It is not only responsibility of government but it’s our duty to co-operate government.
· All citizens of India use their rights in right sense. No connect relation between ‘note & vote’
· Education is compulsory for awareness & understands their rights.
· Use of ‘Right to Information’ to control the corruption and immoral way.
Otherwise no one can protect our democracy in future. In the period of globalization, liberalization & Privatization, we will need to fulfill the conditions for success of democracy as per guided by Dr. Ambedkar for developing the society for stronger nation.
References:
1. Constitution of India, Article 54.
2. Constituent Assembly Debates (C.A. Deb.). Vol. VII; pp, 31-32. 2. B. Shiva Rao, The Framing of India's Constitution, p. 334.
3. C.A. Deb. Ibid, pp. 32-33.
4. Constitution of India, Article 79.
5. http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Parliamentary_system
http://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/practice_procedure/naccount.asp
http://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/practice_procedure/naccount.asp
7. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/join-maoists-if-dont-have-faith-in-parliamentary-democracy-pranab-to-oppn/740949/
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