Introduction
The Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) is an autonomous body established in 1949 following a motion adopted by the Constituent Assembly (Legislative) on August 16, 1948. It serves as a platform for promoting inter-parliamentary relations and fostering cooperation among legislators both nationally and internationally.
Rationale
- As explained by M.N. Kaul and S.L. Shakdher, the rationale behind the IPG lies in the growing need for cooperation among parliaments due to the increasing global interdependence of nations.
- In a world facing common challenges, it is essential for parliamentarians to come together, exchange ideas, and build mutual understanding to protect democratic values and promote peace and prosperity. The IPG serves as India’s medium for such engagement through goodwill missions, correspondence, and exchanges with foreign parliaments.
Composition
- The IPG is open to all current members of Parliament. Former MPs can become associate members, although their rights are limited. They are not eligible to attend international meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) or the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), nor are they entitled to travel concessions.
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the ex-officio President of the IPG. The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are ex-officio vice presidents. The Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha serves as the ex-officio Secretary-General of the IPG.
Objectives
- The main objectives of the IPG include promoting personal interaction among Indian parliamentarians, studying important public issues likely to come before Parliament, organizing seminars and discussions, and arranging lectures on political, economic, social, and educational topics.
- It also aims to foster contacts with legislators of other countries through foreign visits.
Functions
- The IPG acts as a vital link between the Indian Parliament and parliaments of other countries. It represents India in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
- It arranges addresses by visiting heads of state and government, organizes national and international seminars, and facilitates parliamentary delegations abroad. Members traveling abroad receive letters of introduction and support from Indian Missions. Only MPs with a minimum of six months of IPG membership can be included in official parliamentary delegations.
- The group publishes a quarterly newsletter to update members on its activities. Since 1995, it has also instituted the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award, which is decided by a five-member committee appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Parliamentary Friendship Groups (PFGs)
- To foster bilateral relations, the Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) forms Parliamentary Friendship Groups with other countries. These groups include sitting members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha appointing the President of each group. The management and coordination of these groups lie with the IPG.
- Meetings between Indian PFGs and visiting foreign parliamentary delegations are held within the Parliament House complex. These groups aim to build continuous and cordial relationships between parliaments through mutual interaction and cooperation.
Key Objectives of PFGs:
- Maintain political, economic, social, and cultural ties between countries.
- Encourage parliamentary exchanges, talks, and collaboration.
- Facilitate sharing of information and experiences related to parliamentary affairs.
- Promote cooperation during international events and consultations.
- Strengthen overall diplomatic and legislative relations between nations.
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
- The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organization of parliaments from sovereign nations, currently comprising 179 national parliaments. It promotes global peace, cooperation, and the strengthening of representative institutions.
- The IPG serves as India’s National Group in the IPU and enables Indian MPs to engage with their global counterparts through conferences, missions, and committee work.
Benefits of IPU Membership for Indian MPs:
- Builds contacts with international parliamentarians.
- Provides exposure to contemporary reforms and global legislative practices.
- Facilitates participation in Inter-Parliamentary Conferences abroad.
- Enables India to present its viewpoints on global platforms through leadership roles in IPU bodies.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
- The CPA is an association of around 17,000 parliamentarians and staff from over 180 parliaments and legislatures in 53 Commonwealth countries. It aims to deepen democratic values and improve parliamentary practices in the Commonwealth.
- The IPG functions as the main branch of the CPA in India, providing Indian MPs opportunities for international engagement and learning.
Advantages of CPA Membership:
- Participation in plenary and regional conferences, seminars, and delegation exchanges.
- Free access to publications such as The Parliamentarian and First Reading.
- Access to information on parliamentary and Commonwealth affairs.
- Arranged introductions and support for Indian MPs visiting other CPA member countries.
- Enjoyment of parliamentary courtesies like access to debates and facilities abroad.
- Study tour opportunities to compare political and procedural systems.
