The Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998
Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998:
Background:
In parliamentary democracies like India, political parties and groups represented in Parliament play a crucial role in legislative processes. Each recognized party or group in Parliament has leaders and chief whips who coordinate the party's business, maintain discipline, and ensure smooth functioning during sessions.
Recognizing the importance of these roles, the Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998 was enacted to provide certain facilities and privileges to these parliamentary functionaries to enable them to perform their duties effectively.
Purpose of the Act:
The Act formalizes the provision of facilities (such as office space, staff, resources, etc.) to:
Leaders of recognized parties or groups in Parliament
Chief Whips of recognized parties or groups in Parliament
These facilities are intended to support their functions in managing parliamentary business, coordinating party strategy, and ensuring communication within the house.
Key Definitions:
Recognized Party or Group:
A political party or group that has been officially recognized as per the rules of Parliament based on the number of members it has.
Leader:
The leader of a recognized party or group in either house of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
Chief Whip:
The official appointed by the party or group to maintain discipline, manage attendance, and coordinate party members during parliamentary proceedings.
Main Provisions of the Act:
Grant of Facilities:
The Act mandates the provision of certain facilities to leaders and chief whips of recognized parties and groups.
These may include:
Office accommodation within Parliament House or its precincts.
Secretarial assistance and staff.
Telephone and communication facilities.
Other necessary amenities to perform their parliamentary duties.
Eligibility:
Only leaders and chief whips of recognized parties or groups in either House of Parliament are entitled to these facilities.
Recognition depends on the party/group’s strength and official status under parliamentary rules.
Purpose of Facilities:
To assist in the efficient conduct of parliamentary business.
To maintain discipline and communication among party members.
To enable coordination between members and party leadership.
Regulation and Administration:
The facilities are provided and regulated by the government in consultation with the Presiding Officers (Speaker of Lok Sabha, Chairman of Rajya Sabha).
Rules may be framed to specify the nature and extent of facilities.
Significance of the Act:
Supports Parliamentary Functioning:
Providing office space, staff, and communication infrastructure ensures leaders and whips can effectively manage legislative business, schedule debates, and coordinate party strategy.
Maintains Discipline and Coordination:
Whips play a key role in ensuring party members attend sessions and vote according to the party line. Facilities support their critical role.
Formalizes Support:
Before this Act, such facilities may have been provided informally. The Act gives a legal basis, ensuring uniform and fair provision.
Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who benefits? | Leaders and Chief Whips of recognized parties/groups in Parliament |
| Facilities Provided | Office space, staff, telecommunication, secretarial support |
| Purpose | To enable effective coordination of party business in Parliament |
| Authority | Government and Presiding Officers of Parliament |
| Year Enacted | 1998 |
Contextual Note:
India’s parliamentary democracy involves many political parties, and managing their coordination requires formal infrastructure. This Act institutionalizes support for party leadership to maintain smooth parliamentary operations.
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