Ishita KishoreAIR 1 · 263 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
The 'Officers of Parliament' play a pivotal role in the smooth functioning of the Indian Parliamentary System sustaining the world's largest democracy.
Body · points
Role
i - Smooth debate and deliberation Eg Secretarial staff enlists details for → Bill Discussion → Question Hour → Zero Hour
ii - Functioning of Committees is vital for sound decision making & officers of Parliament ensure this. Eg Speaker appoints Chairpersons of committees, parliamentary secretaries facilitate meetings & experts presence
iii - Custodian of all Parliamentary documents, historical Bills, Acts and minutes of the debate Eg Sansad TV, Lok Sabha website
iv - Leaders of both Houses ensure Parliamentary conduct along with leader of Opposition with the help of secretarial officers
Their impartial functioning is a sine qua non for pro-people good governance
Provisions
i - Part V of the Indian Constitution lays role and responsibility of officers of Parliament. Eg Art 52: President is an integral part of Parliament
ii - Article 312 provides for All India Services Eg Secretary to Lok Sabha has
iii - Article 311 gives safeguard that they will not be removed by an authority lower than the one appointing them
iv - Official Secrets Act requires them to maintain confidential records Eg Secret sitting of Lok Sabha
v - Whistleblower Protection Act ensures their impartial functioning while ensuring accountability
vi - Conduct of civil servants Rules lays guidelines for efficient functioning
Close · a way forward
The need of the hour is strengthening their position for a healthy democracy and developed country by 2047 (Panch Pran).