There has been a significant reduction in the time taken to discuss and pass bills.
The 17th Lok Sabha held the least number of sittings in its entire tenure in five years with a total of 274 sittings. A notable feature was the rapid pace of passing legislation, with more than a third of the bills approved in less than an hour. Additionally, only 16% of the bills were examined by standing committees. Notable developments include the rapid passage of controversial bills, often with minimal debate, and the move to a new Parliament building, as well as the suspension of an unprecedented number of MPs.
Key statistics shed light on the performance and productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha. The House convened for fewer days than in the previous period, continuing a long-term trend of declining sitting days. There was also a significant reduction in the hours devoted to discussing and passing bills. Throughout its tenure, 221 bills were enacted, but frequent blockages and walkouts resulted in considerable loss of working hours and extended sessions. This tenure also recorded the highest number of MP suspensions in history. This overview, based on data from Lok Sabha and PRS Legislative Research, provides insights into the operational dynamics and legislative productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha.
productivity trends
The trend of fewer sittings since the 1st Lok Sabha (1952–1957) continued, with the 17th Lok Sabha having fewer sittings than all but four previously dissolved Lok Sabhas. The first session began in 1952 with an average of 135 sitting days annually, while the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha sat for 66 and 55 days per year respectively. The numbers were slightly higher in the UPA I and II era. The 17th Lok Sabha held 15 sessions, including shortened sessions due to COVID-19 and a special session in September. Despite a productive start to 2019, overall productivity was low, with some sessions running well below schedule.
Decline in discussion and legislative work
There has been a significant reduction in the time taken to discuss and pass bills. From a total of 281 working hours in 2019, with 125 hours dedicated to bills, the working hours in the 2023 winter session dropped to a total of 62 and 37 for bills. Substantial time was spent in discussing and passing the bill in only four sessions.
Bills passed: quantity and time of discussion
In its 15 sessions, the 17th Lok Sabha saw a decline in the number of bills introduced and passed. While 35 bills were passed in the 2019 budget session, only six were passed in the 2023 budget session. Of the 221 bills passed during this term, more than a third were discussed for less than an hour. Compared to previous Lok Sabhas, the percentage of bills sent to standing committees for thorough scrutiny has also reduced significantly.
important legislation
Major laws passed include the abrogation of Article 370, the law banning triple talaq, amendments to the Citizenship Act and the controversial farm laws which were ultimately repealed. Additionally, Parliament passed the Women’s Reservation Bill as well as bills affecting the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and reforms in the Criminal Code.
Disruptions, walkouts and suspensions
The tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha was not without disruptions. Almost all sessions witnessed significant disruptions and walkouts by the opposition. Most of the time was lost due to blockages in the 2023 budget session. To compensate for this, Parliament had to increase its working hours. A record number of MPs were suspended, with the highest occurring in the 2023 winter session. This Lok Sabha had the highest number of suspensions in history, surpassing the previous Lok Sabha and even the 8th Lok Sabha under Congress rule from 1984 to 1989.
