The agitation led by Anna Hazare has focussed on the formation of a Lok Pal to address the issue of corruption. Some data on the existing systems of identifying and prosecuting cases of corruption against public officials are presented. URL:...

The year in Parliament was characterised by frequent disruptions and protests over a host of issues. The issue of the establishment of a Lokpal prompted both disruption as well as intense debate. A look at the business transacted by Parliament during 2011. [PRS]....

In performance terms, the house fell significantly short of its initial plan. Proceedings were marred by disruptions – first on the issue of corruption and the detention of Anna Hazare, and later on the appointment of the Gujarat Lokayukta....

The National Advisory Council recently released a draft ‘Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) Bill, 2011’. The Bill intends to create a framework for prevention and control of communal and sectarian violence. It also aims to provide relief...

The Union Law Minister recently launched the ‘Mission Mode Programme for Reduction of Pendency of Arrears in Courts’. According to media reports, the programme aims to dispose of 40 per cent of the cases pending in subordinate courts across the country, in the coming six months. As...

On May 13, 2012 Parliament completes 60 years since its first sitting. To mark the occasion, a special sitting of both Houses has been organised on the day. Recently, there has been much public scrutiny of the work of MPs and the functioning of Parliament. This document presents some information...

The Election Commission recently announced the poll schedule for Assembly elections in five States – Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa. As parties prepare for the upcoming elections, the electoral trends in these states over the past 25 years are studied. [PRS article]....

The Minister of Railways, Dinesh Trivedi, presented the Railways Budget 2012 to Parliament on 14th March. In his address, he commented on the performance of Railways in 2011-12 and laid out his budget proposals for 2012-13. [PRS]. URL:[http://www.prsindia.org/pages/railwaybudget-152].

Parliament met for the Budget Session between March 16 and May 22 with a three-week recess in April. Both Houses met for 35 days each. A special sitting was convened on Sunday, May 13 to commemorate 60 years since the first sitting of Parliament. In addition to the General and Railways Budgets,...