Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
CoC for MPs and MLAs (2nd ARC: CoC &CoC for Ministers (Duty to…
CoC for MPs and MLAs
-
-
Why CoC?
Rules => not adequate => limited to throwing paper balls in protest, tearing up documents and rushing to the well or against laughing in the lobby.
After engaging in disruptive activities, MPs and MLAs seek shelter behind parliamentary privileges.
Obstructive conduct is disrespectful to the House, those who elected them, and also a waste of public money.
Many members are experts in their fields => enrich the discourse but remain absent. A code ensuring attendance is required.
Genuine debate and discussion can only take place if political representatives are well trained and well behaved.
How CoC is maintained?
Approach 1
Establishing an independent, autonomous body, outside the legislature. (breach of code amounts to breach of law)
Approach 2
Within legislature => oversees the conduct e.g. parliamentary committee or an independent parliamentary commissioner. adopted in UK.
Approach 3
Detailed set of rules and guidelines => Each House an independent ethics committee => interpretative and advisory rulings. Followed by US congress.
Way Forward
CoC=> essential to reconstruct the public confidence in public officials and institutions. Elected representatives hold the key to good, people-centred governance. In addition, Code of Ethics to provide guidance on how Ministers should uphold the highest standards of constitutional and ethical conduct in the performance of their duties.
7 principles of public life - Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership.
Legislative CoC : To promote a political culture which places considerable emphasis on the propriety, correctness, transparency, honesty of parliamentarians’ behaviour.
Germany, Israel, Japan, UK and USA : Formal while India: customary code of conduct.