Low interest rate

The first 8220;structured discussion8221; on the global economic crisis in Parliament on Thursday saw a long line of 17 speakers. Which was well and good, for the total listeners numbered no more than 70 MPs 8212; around one-eighth the full strength of the Lok Sabha. At any given time, average attendance was around 40 MPs 8212; one-thirteenth the full strength 8212; and even some of the speakers left after their speeches. Some MPs have chosen to blame this poor attendance on the excessive focus on the terrorism debate. But an empty House is actually the norm. Over the years, parliamentary debate has oscillated between reality television cash-dumping MPs storming the House well and a religious channel the preacher putting even his audience to sleep. Lost in this schizophrenia is the basic aim of Parliament: to legislate, hold the executive to account, and debate within the issues raging outside. The present Parliament has seen both poor attendance as well as continuous interruptions: further evidence of the decline of a once robust institution.

That the discussion was on the economic crisis is telling. In the US, the response to the credit crisis has involved experts as well as the executive and the legislature. Witness the protracted congressional tussles over the passing of the first economic stimulus, and the Senate8217;s rejection of the Detroit bailout.

India, on the other hand, has taken the view that this crisis is best left to the experts. While their expertise is unquestioned, the scale of the crisis 8212; and the enormity of the response required 8212; makes this very much a political question. Yet, few politicians seem bothered, and public debate has been sporadic. Thursday8217;s discussion was a golden chance to remedy this.

While Thursday8217;s discussion was a wasted chance, what of the remaining days of this Parliament session? The economic crisis and other pressing concerns require an active Parliament. Debate and inquiry on technical subjects may not always be within the rhetorical command of some elected representatives. But surely, mere attendance is their duty, and their right.