Sustaining democracy : The integral role of former legislators in India's governance evolution

Y Devendro Singh *

Manipur Legislative Assembly building as on March 19 2017 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

In the landscape of Indian Parliamentary demo- cracy, former legislators often feel overlooked, despite their wealth of experience holding immense potential for enhancing governance and sustaining democratic processes. Though they no longer possess formal power, their deep understanding of policy and legislative frameworks positions them as valuable advisors and mentors.

The former members, while not wielding formal Constitutional power or legislative authority, have to bring a profound understanding of policymaking, constituency dynamics, and legislative frameworks. This expertise equips them to offer insights into governance challenges, mentor emerging leaders, and provide essential historical and practical perspectives on democratic governance.

Failing to acknowledge their contributions risks losing vital institutional knowledge and practical expertise essential for navigating contemporary issues. Actively engaging former members in advisory roles, policy making consultations, and community projects ensures that their accumulated wisdom continues to benefit the public and strengthen democratic structures.

Instead of being undervalued, former members should be viewed as assets to society. Their advice and experience shall bridge the gap between past achievements and future ambitions, honouring their service while enriching collective efforts towards national and societal development.

Moreover, their vast erudition will help to develop consciousness amongst the public about the importance of good governance and its benefits, functioning of Government institutions, the legislative process and the role citizens play in demanding accountability from their elected representatives.

In the tapestry of a Parliamentary democracy, the threads woven by former members extend beyond their tenures, significantly impacting the legislative landscape. Their enduring influence is a testament to the indispensable roles they occupy, whether through advisory positions or strategic contributions to political parties.

The wealth of experience they carry fortifies the political fabric, offering a reservoir of knowledge that benefits current officeholders and the democratic process itself.

Advisory and Leadership Roles: Former members frequently assume advisory capacities, leveraging their extensive legislative experience to guide current politicians and officials. These roles are not merely consultative but integral to strategic direction and policy formulation within political parties.

Many ex-politicians remain embedded within party structures, crafting platforms and strategies vital for electoral success. Their mentorship to burgeoning politicians is invaluable, imparting lessons on legislative procedures, constituency management, and public service ethics.

Public Engagement and Institutional Contributions : A prominent aspect of their post-office influence lies in public speaking, communication and advocacy. Their authoritative voices lend weight to critical socio-political issues, promoting legislative reforms and policy initiatives.

Additionally, their appointments to committees or boards enable them to continue contributing to sectors like health and education, ensuring informed perspectives guide decision-making processes. As consultants, they bridge the gap between politics and other sectors, providing strategic insights into navigating governmental and bureaucratic complexities.

The influence of former Members extends into academia and social entrepreneurship, where they may spearhead research endeavours and development projects that align with national policy goals, creating a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Shaping Future Legislation: Former members actively engage in drafting and revising legislation, using their experience to advocate for necessary reforms. Their first-hand knowledge of parliamentary procedures and existing relationships within legislative bodies helps shape future legislative priorities, bridging the gap between theoretical law-making and practical societal needs.

Intellectual and Social Leadership: The scope of their impact further extends to intellectual domains, where former Members establish or engage with think tanks and research bodies. Such institutions benefit from their first-hand experiences in policy development and legislative analysis, fostering informed public discourse.

Their roles in media as commentators or analysts help demystify political developments, enhancing public understanding of complex issues.

In local communities, these seasoned individuals often spearhead initiatives, championing social development and addressing localized concerns with a strategic perspective. Their initiatives often foster civic education and empowerment, encouraging the public to actively participate in democratic processes and strengthening community resilience.

Preserving Legislative Integrity : Beyond these roles, former members actively participate in efforts to protect and uphold the legislative body’s integrity. Their involvement in expert consultations offers a deep reservoir of expertise for drafting legislation and navigating parliamentary procedures.

They contribute to committees and task forces, often as honorary members, advising on pressing issues and facilitating training programs for new legislators, nurturing a robust legislative culture. Their engagement in bipartisan dialogue underscores their commitment to legislative unity and preventing partisan gridlock.

Promoting Transparency and Resolving Conflicts : By advocating for transparent and accountable legislative processes, former legislators reinforce the democratic foundation. Their mediation skills shine during conflicts, whether within the assembly or between legislative and executive branches, providing pragmatic solutions to promote harmony and cooperation.

They foster networks and partnerships with diverse stakeholders, enhancing collaborative efforts toward common legislative and societal goals. This collaborative spirit is vital in addressing cross-cutting issues requiring collective action and consensus-building within and beyond legislative frameworks.

Moreover, former members may participate in international collaborations so that to exchange the programs in parliamentary practices, amplifying India’s voice on the international stage and allowing for benchmarking best practices in governance. Through these exchanges, they may bring valuable insights back to the Indian political landscape, promoting innovations in policy-making and legislative efficiency.

Their international engagement underscores India’s commitment to global democratic values, showcasing the country as both a contributor and a learner in the international community.

Regarding institutional perspectives, experts like Dr Subhash C Kashyap and the duo MN Kaul and SL Shakdher provide foundational insights on Parliamentary procedures, highlighting the importance of seasoned politicians in upholding institutional norms.

Dr Kashyap’s works, such as “Our Parliament : An Introduction to the Parliament of India,” emphasize the educational roles experienced politicians play, enhancing procedural knowledge and institutional memory. Kaul and Shekher’s seminal work, “Practice and Procedure of Parliament,” underscores the intricate knowledge required to maintain legislative efficacy, an area where former legislators can significantly contribute.

In conclusion, former members of India’s vibrant Parliamentary democracy play critical roles in safeguarding and nurturing the legislative process. Through myriad informal and formal roles, they continue to exert meaningful influence, ensuring that the democratic legacy is preserved and progressively enhanced, reinforcing the system’s resilience against evolving governance challenges.

Their efforts will sustain a dynamic democratic culture valuing both continuity and change, fostering a responsive and accountable political environment.