Ministers and the legislators

This is a serious work from the seasoned a serious scholar. The subject compels pen of attention. The treatment-simple, objective and factual-provokes thought and concern.

In any democratic polity, widespread interest in the conduct of the representatives of the people is natural. To understand the system of parliamentary democracy with its ministerial form of government, it is important to appreciate the position, powers and functioning of the members of Parliament and the ministers who lead the legislature and constitute the executive.

The present monograph is the result of an enquiry into the laws, regulations and practices governing the integrity, pecuniary interests, amenability to pressures etc. of the ministers of governments and members of legislatures in India. The first part discusses the background of the concepts of corruption, integrity, pecuniary interests, defections, lobbying and pressure groups vis a vis ministers and legislators, their elections etc. The second part deals with the constitutional provisions, statutes, rules etc. pertaining to the conduct of members. The third part analyses the reports of various official committees and commissions appointed to look into administrative reforms, prevention of corruption and specific allegations of misconduct, misuse of power and the like by ministers. The monograph throws valuable light on many matters. It will be found useful by all those interested in India's political system and parliamentary and public life.