Describe the parliamentary devices to control the executive in India.

Parliamentary Devices to Control the Executive in India:

1. Question Hour:

   • During the Question Hour, Members of Parliament (MPs) can question ministers about various aspects of governance. This enables scrutiny of executive actions, policies, and their implementation.

2. Adjournment Motion:

   • An adjournment motion allows MPs to seek the adjournment of normal business to discuss a specific matter of urgent public importance. This provides a forum to critique or question the government's handling of critical issues.

3. No-Confidence Motion:

   • A motion of no confidence can be moved against the government, expressing a lack of confidence in its ability to govern. If passed, it leads to the fall of the government, necessitating the formation of a new one or fresh elections.

4. Calling Attention Motion:

   • MPs can bring attention to urgent matters by seeking the minister's response through a Calling Attention Motion. This device helps highlight pressing issues and holds the executive accountable for its actions.

5. Debates and Discussions:

   • Debates and discussions on various bills, policies, and matters of public importance allow MPs to express their views, question the executive, and provide alternative perspectives. This parliamentary forum is essential for critical examination.

6. Committee System:

   • Parliamentary committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Estimates Committee, scrutinize government expenditures, policies, and administration. They provide an avenue for in-depth examination, ensuring executive accountability.

7. Zero Hour:

   • The Zero Hour allows MPs to raise issues without prior notice. This immediate discussion platform enables quick responses from ministers and offers a mechanism for highlighting emerging concerns.

8. Vote of Confidence:

   • The executive may seek a vote of confidence to prove its majority in the House. This ensures that the government enjoys the support of the majority and is a mechanism for the legislature to assert control over the executive.

9. Impeachment Process:

   • In extreme cases, such as serious constitutional misconduct, the President, Vice President, or a Supreme Court judge can be impeached. The impeachment process involves both houses of Parliament and requires a special majority.

10. Budget Scrutiny:

    • The budgetary process allows Parliament to scrutinize the government's financial plans. MPs can question allocations, expenditures, and economic policies, providing a means to control the executive's fiscal decisions.

11. Privilege Motion:

    • MPs can move a privilege motion against the executive for breach of parliamentary privilege. This ensures that parliamentarians can perform their duties without hindrance and reinforces the separation of powers.

12. Resolutions and Motions:

    • MPs can propose resolutions and motions, expressing the will of the House on various issues. These resolutions can be critical of government policies or actions, reflecting the collective voice of the legislature.

In conclusion, the parliamentary devices in India are integral to maintaining the checks and balances between the legislative and executive branches of government. These mechanisms provide avenues for scrutiny, debate, and accountability, ensuring that the executive remains answerable to the legislature and, by extension, to the people it serves. The robust parliamentary framework enhances the democratic governance structure in India.