Concerns regarding Parliamentary performance most often relate to the drastic reduction in the level and extent of deliberation, representation and scrutiny. In this context, highlight the recent instances which have led decline in effective functioning of the parliament.

Linked PYQ

You are heading a district administration in a particular department. Your senior officer calls you from the State Headquarters and tells you that a plot in Rampur village is to have a building constructed on it for a school. A visit is scheduled during which he will visit the site along with the chief engineer and the senior architect. You examine the file which relates to the period before you joined the department. The land was acquired from the local Panchayat at a nominal cost; clearance certificates are available from two of the three authorities, with no architect certification. On visiting Rampur, you find the plot is part of Thakurgarh Fort with walls and ramparts running across it, far from the village (serious inconvenience for children), high development charges, unaddressed heritage concerns, and the Sarpanch at acquisition time was your predecessor's relative — the transaction appears vested. (a) List the likely vested interests of the concerned parties. (b) Discuss the merits and demerits of each options: (i) await the visit of the superior officer and let him take a decision; (ii) seek his advice in writing or on phone; (iii) consult your predecessor/colleagues and then decide; (iv) find out if any alternate plot can be got in exchange and then send a comprehensive written report. Can you suggest any other option with proper justification?