Demand for Holding Parliament Sessions Outside Delhi:

Demand for Holding Parliament Sessions Outside Delhi:

Why in News?

Recently, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the YSR Congress proposed the idea of holding two sessions of the Indian Parliament each year in South India. The proposal highlights logistical and climatic challenges that MPs face due to the extreme winters and scorching summers in Delhi. This suggestion has historical support from leaders such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had also advocated for decentralizing the location of parliamentary sessions.

Previous Demands for Holding Parliamentary Sessions Outside Delhi

1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Vision: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, in his book “Thoughts on Linguistic States”, suggested decentralizing the capital and holding parliamentary sessions outside Delhi. He argued that Delhi was inconvenient for people from the southern states due to its extreme climate and geographical distance, which made southerners feel politically alienated. Ambedkar also pointed out Delhi’s vulnerability to attacks, being within the bombing range of neighboring countries. He proposed Hyderabad as a potential second capital for India, especially for summer months, due to its central location and relatively milder climate.

2. Prakash Vir Shastri's Resolution (1959): In November 1959, Independent MP Prakash Vir Shastri introduced a Private Member’s Resolution proposing that the Lok Sabha hold a session in South India, with Hyderabad or Bangalore suggested as possible locations. This proposal was backed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then a first-time MP, who supported the idea of strengthening national unity through such a decentralizing initiative.

Constitutional Status of Holding Parliament Sessions

• The Constitution of India does not specify a fixed location for holding parliamentary sessions.

• Article 85 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to summon each House of Parliament at such times and places as deemed fit, ensuring that no more than six months elapse between two sessions.

• Although the Constitution allows flexibility in choosing the location, New Delhi has traditionally been the seat of Parliament since independence.

Arguments for Holding Parliament Sessions Outside Delhi

1. Enhanced Regional Representation:

   • Holding parliamentary sessions in southern cities could increase the visibility of southern states in national policymaking. It would send a strong message of inclusivity and reflect a commitment to giving every region a voice in the legislative process.

2. Climate Considerations:

   • The extreme weather conditions in Delhi, such as severe cold in winters and intense heat in summers, can impede the effective functioning of MPs. Moving sessions to more temperate regions could enhance the health and productivity of legislators, thus improving the overall efficiency of governance.

3. Decentralization of Power:

   • The move could align with the principle of decentralizing political power. Decentralization can help make governance more accessible to people across the country, ensuring that all citizens feel equally represented, irrespective of their geographical location.

4. Historical Precedent:

   • The backing of prominent figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the decentralization idea provides credibility to the argument. Their support suggests that this is not a new or politically motivated idea but one rooted in long-standing concerns about regional balance and national unity.

Challenges of Shifting Parliamentary Sessions Outside Delhi

1. Logistical Hurdles:

   • Relocating the parliamentary machinery, infrastructure, and personnel to another region would be complex and resource-intensive. It could also disrupt the smooth functioning of Parliament and entail significant costs for transportation, accommodation, and other logistics.

2. Political Polarization:

   • Critics argue that holding sessions in different parts of the country may deepen the existing North-South divide, emphasizing regional identities over national unity. There are concerns that such a move could fuel regionalism and make governance more fragmented.

3. Institutional History:

   • Parliament has operated out of Delhi for over 75 years without adversely impacting the integration of southern states into the Union. Critics believe that the current system of conducting parliamentary sessions in New Delhi is well-established and that alternative mechanisms, such as more frequent consultations and regional representation, should be explored instead.

Countries with Multiple Capitals

Several countries have decentralized capitals for various functions, which might offer lessons for India:

1. South Africa:

   • South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial). This decentralization ensures that power is spread across the country, promoting regional representation.

2. Malaysia:

   • Kuala Lumpur is the administrative capital, while Putrajaya serves as the administrative and judicial hub. The development of Putrajaya has alleviated congestion in Kuala Lumpur and provided a more organized setting for government functions.

3. Switzerland:

   • Bern is the federal city, but the country maintains a decentralized political structure, balancing the interests of its diverse linguistic and cultural groups.

4. Australia:

   • Canberra was purpose-built as the country’s capital, located strategically between Sydney and Melbourne, ensuring neutrality and unity between the two largest cities.

Way Forward

1. Pilot Regional Sessions:

   • Conducting occasional parliamentary committee meetings or winter sessions in southern cities like Bengaluru or Hyderabad can help assess logistical challenges and public response. This gradual approach could pave the way for more frequent sessions held outside Delhi.

2. Strengthening Regional Representation:

   • Addressing underrepresentation through increased parliamentary seats for southern states after the next census reforms could balance regional equity without disrupting existing systems.

3. Investing in Technology and Logistics:

   • Improving communication technology and streamlining logistics can help reduce the challenges related to travel and climate, ensuring that MPs from all regions can participate in parliamentary proceedings with ease.

Conclusion

The proposal to hold parliamentary sessions in South India raises important questions about regional representation, inclusivity, and governance. While it highlights legitimate concerns about climate and accessibility, its feasibility is debated. A balanced approach—conducting pilot sessions in different regions, strengthening existing mechanisms for regional representation, and leveraging technology for smoother integration—could ensure that the goal of decentralization is achieved without compromising parliamentary efficiency. This debate presents an opportunity to rethink India's governance structures for greater inclusivity and resilience.