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The ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed the passage of key legislations amidst continuous Opposition protests and adjournments. The Lok Sabha passed an Appropriation Bill by voice vote, while the Rajya Sabha cleared the . Additionally, a bill to increase the sanctioned strength of judges was passed in the Lower House without discussion.
The passage of bills via voice vote amidst protests highlights a persistent issue in parliamentary functioning. A voice vote is a method of voting where the presiding officer decides the outcome based on the volume of "ayes" and "noes." While constitutionally permissible, relying heavily on voice votes, especially for crucial legislation like an Appropriation Bill, undermines the spirit of detailed legislative scrutiny and debate envisioned in the Constitution. The lack of discussion on the bill increasing the strength of Supreme Court judges further exemplifies the challenges to effective parliamentary oversight. This scenario is relevant for UPSC mains questions regarding the decline of parliamentary debate, the use of disruptions as a political tool, and the need for reforms in parliamentary procedures to ensure accountability.
The passage of the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill is a significant step towards creating a comprehensive national database. The amendment aims to mandate digital registration and use the birth certificate as a single document for various essential services like school admission, voter enrollment, and obtaining a driving license or passport. This move towards digital governance and data integration is expected to improve administrative efficiency and targeted service delivery. However, it also raises important concerns regarding data privacy and security. Aspirants should analyze this development in the context of the evolving digital infrastructure in India, balancing the benefits of a centralized database with the need for robust data protection frameworks, a crucial aspect of modern governance.
The passage of the Appropriation Bill is a fundamental step in the budgetary process. As mandated by Article 114 of the Constitution, the government cannot withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India without the enactment of an Appropriation Act. This act gives legal authority to the government to incur expenditure for the financial year. The passage of such a vital financial bill without substantial debate due to protests raises concerns about financial accountability and the effectiveness of parliamentary control over public purse. Understanding the constitutional provisions related to financial legislation, the stages of the budget process, and the significance of the Appropriation Bill is essential for Prelims.