Explore our comprehensive guide on the Parliament of India, designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of this supreme legislative body. This section covers various aspects of the Indian Parliament, offering insights into its structure, functions, and significance within the Indian political system.
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction to Parliament
The Parliament of India is the highest legislative authority in the country, consisting of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). It is responsible for making laws, representing the electorate, and overseeing the functioning of the government.
Structure of Parliament
- Lok Sabha:
- Also known as the lower house, the Lok Sabha comprises representatives directly elected by the people of India.
- It has a maximum strength of 552 members, including 530 members from the states, 20 members from the Union Territories, and up to 2 members nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community.
- Members serve a term of five years unless dissolved earlier.
- Rajya Sabha:
- Also known as the upper house, the Rajya Sabha consists of representatives elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies and by the members of the Electoral college for Union Territories.
- It has a maximum strength of 250 members, including 238 members representing the states and Union Territories, and up to 12 members nominated by the President for their expertise in various fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
- Members serve staggered six-year terms, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.
Functions and Powers of Parliament
- Legislative Functions:
- Parliament is responsible for making laws on subjects enumerated in the Union List, Concurrent List, and in some cases, the State List.
- Bills can be introduced in either house and must be passed by both houses before being sent to the President for assent.
- Financial Functions:
- Parliament holds the power of the purse, meaning it controls public finances and authorizes government expenditure.
- The annual Union Budget, including proposals for taxation and spending, must be approved by Parliament.
- Executive Oversight:
- Parliament exercises control over the executive branch of the government through various mechanisms, including question hours, debates, and parliamentary committees.
- It ensures that the government remains accountable to the people.
- Electoral Functions:
- The Lok Sabha plays a critical role in the election of the President and Vice President of India.
- Members of both houses participate in the election of the President.
- Amendment Powers:
- Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution of India, subject to specific procedures and requirements laid down in the Constitution.
Sessions and Procedures
- Sessions:
- Parliament meets in three sessions each year: the Budget Session (February to May), the Monsoon Session (July to September), and the Winter Session (November to December).
- The President summons and prorogues sessions of Parliament.
- Procedures:
- Bills can be introduced either as Government Bills or Private Members’ Bills.
- The legislative process involves several stages, including introduction, committee review, debate, and voting.
Parliamentary Committees
- Standing Committees:
- These are permanent committees that continue to function throughout the year and include committees like the Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, and Committee on Public Undertakings.
- Ad Hoc Committees:
- These are temporary committees constituted for specific purposes, such as the Joint Parliamentary Committees and Select Committees.
- Functions of Committees:
- Committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation, examining the budget, and ensuring government accountability.
Challenges and Reforms
- Challenges:
- The Parliament faces challenges such as disruptions during sessions, inadequate representation of women and marginalized communities, and the need for procedural reforms.
- Reforms:
- Various reforms have been proposed to enhance the functioning of Parliament, including measures to improve the productivity of sessions, increase transparency, and ensure greater participation of members.
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