Question

What is understood by the term ‘Individual Responsibility’ in a Parliamentary Democracy?

Answer 1

Hint: Hint- We need to know that, any responsibility taken over by a person for which they are the only ones accountable for the actions done and the repercussions faced is termed as Individual Responsibility. In a parliamentary democracy, any minister working for the government can face individual responsibility.

Complete answer:
1. A government functions through the conventions of both individual and collective responsibility. Individual responsibility refers to a protocol that states that a minister is responsible and accountable to the parliament for the actions done and steps taken by their department. The involvement of each minister in each decision is not important in the case of individual responsibility.
2. Where there is an individual responsibility, the minister who is responsible is expected to take the blame in case of failure in the proper discharge of responsibilities. The other ministers of the parliament will not be held accountable for that minister’s failure. If any misdeeds like corruption are found to have occurred, the minister is expected to resign. Therefore, the minister holding individual responsibility will also be accountable for the mistakes done by the civil servants appointed by him.
3. The principle of individual responsibility also states the appreciation of the responsible minister if he’s answerable for every single decision made. Any other minister or civil servant who doesn’t hold the responsibility isn't supposed to take credit for the success and wellbeing of the department.

Note: We need to remember that, in a parliamentary democracy, Individual responsibility is carried out by one accountable minister who is the only person answerable for anything that happens. It ensures proper decision making and $100$% accountability in a government. It acts as a constitutional convention in the government. It puts focus on the ability of a minister to set clear and attainable goals for other ministers in his cabinet to ensure the successful operation of the government.