INTRODUCTION
The composition of Parliament in India is a crucial aspect of the country’s democratic framework. Understanding the structure and functioning of the Indian Parliament is essential for comprehending the legislative process and the significance of its decisions. In this article, we will delve into the composition of the Indian Parliament, including the two houses, their members, and their roles. We will also explore the powers and functions of Parliament, highlighting its legislative authority and control over the executive. Let’s embark on this journey to explore the composition and significance of the Parliament in India.
THE INDIAN PARLIAMENT: AN OVERVIEW
The Indian Parliament, also known as the Sansad, is a bicameral legislative body established by the Constitution of India, which came into force on January 26, 1950. It comprises the President of India and two houses: the Council of States, known as the Rajya Sabha, and the House of the People, known as the Lok Sabha. Together, these bodies play a pivotal role in lawmaking and governance in India.
THE PRESIDENT
The President of India is an integral part of the Parliament but does not actively participate in the discussions or deliberations of either house. The President performs certain constitutional functions related to the Parliament, such as summoning and proroguing the two houses. The President’s assent is necessary for a bill to become law, and in times of necessity, the President can promulgate ordinances with the same force as laws passed by Parliament. However, the President does not have voting rights in the Parliament.
THE RAJYA SABHA: COUNCIL OF STATES
The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of Parliament. It consists of a maximum of 250 members, of which 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in various fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. The remaining seats are allocated to the states and union territories based on their population, ensuring representation for every state. The representatives of each state in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of the respective state’s Legislative Assembly. The Rajya Sabha is a continuing body, and one-third of its members retire every two years.
THE LOK SABHA: HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE
The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, is the lower house of Parliament. It is composed of representatives directly elected by the people of India through a process of adult suffrage. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552 members, including representatives from states, union territories, and nominated members from the Anglo-Indian community. The allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha is based on a proportional representation system, ensuring fair representation for different states. The Lok Sabha is dissolved after completing its five-year term or in case of a no-confidence motion against the government.
SIGNIFICANCE OF PARLIAMENT IN INDIA
The Parliament of India holds immense significance in the country’s democratic system. It serves as the primary legislative body responsible for enacting laws and regulations that govern the nation. Let us explore the various functions and powers of the Indian Parliament, which make it a vital institution in the Indian democratic setup.
LAWMAKING AUTHORITY
The Parliament of India is vested with the exclusive power to make laws for the entire country. It can legislate on any subject that falls within the Union List mentioned in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. These subjects include defense, foreign affairs, railways, communication, taxation, and more. Any bill passed by both houses of Parliament requires the President’s assent to become law. The Parliament also has the power to amend the constitution itself, making it the supreme legislative authority in the country.
DEBATING AND DECISION-MAKING
One of the fundamental functions of Parliament is to provide a platform for open debates and discussions on important national issues. Members of Parliament have the opportunity to present their viewpoints, propose solutions, and scrutinize government policies and programs. Through parliamentary debates, the Parliament can bring attention to crucial matters, initiate reforms, and shape public opinion. The decisions made during these debates influence the direction of the nation and guide the government’s actions.
OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Parliament plays a crucial role in overseeing and holding the government accountable for its actions. Members of Parliament have the authority to question ministers, demand clarifications, and seek accountability for the government’s policies and performance. Parliament can investigate matters of public interest through committees and commissions, ensuring transparency and serving as a check on the executive branch. This oversight function ensures that the government remains accountable to the people and operates within the framework of the Constitution.
FINANCIAL CONTROL
The Parliament of India exercises significant control over public finances. It scrutinizes the annual budget presented by the government, reviews proposed expenditures, and approves the allocation of funds to various ministries and departments. The Finance Minister presents the budget in the Lok Sabha, and it undergoes rigorous scrutiny and debate before its approval. The Parliament also reviews the government’s financial performance through the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters.
REPRESENTATION OF STATE INTERESTS
The Indian Parliament serves as a platform for representing the interests of different states and union territories. The Rajya Sabha provides a forum for states to voice their concerns and participate in the legislative process. It ensures that smaller states have a voice in national decision-making, balancing the representation of states with varying sizes and populations. This representation helps in fostering cooperative federalism and maintaining a balance between the center and the states.
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF PARLIAMENT
In addition to its primary role as a lawmaking body, the Indian Parliament has various other powers and functions that contribute to its effective governance. These powers and functions enable Parliament to exercise control over the executive, ensure transparency, and safeguard the interests of the people. Let’s explore some of the key powers and functions of the Indian Parliament.
LEGISLATIVE POWERS
The Parliament has the authority to make laws on subjects within its legislative competence. It can introduce bills, debate their provisions, and pass them through both houses. Any bill passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha requires the President’s assent to become law. The Parliament can also amend existing laws, ensuring that legislation remains relevant and responsive to changing societal needs.
FINANCIAL POWERS
The Parliament exercises significant control over public finances through its financial powers. It reviews and approves the annual budget presented by the government, ensuring that public funds are allocated appropriately. The Parliament scrutinizes the government’s revenue and expenditure proposals, ensuring fiscal discipline and accountability. It also approves the appropriation of funds for various government programs and activities.
QUESTIONING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Members of Parliament have the power to ask questions to ministers regarding government policies, actions, and programs. These questions can be in the form of written questions or oral questions during parliamentary sessions. Ministers are obligated to provide answers and clarifications, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Question Hour, a dedicated time during parliamentary sessions, allows members to seek information and hold the government accountable.
COMMITTEE SYSTEM
The Indian Parliament has a robust committee system that enables detailed examination and scrutiny of various matters. Parliamentary committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee, play a crucial role in examining government expenditure, policy implementation, and legislative proposals. These committees consist of members from different parties and provide a platform for in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and recommendations.
REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE’S INTERESTS
Parliament acts as a representative body that reflects the diversity and aspirations of the Indian people. Members of Parliament represent their constituencies and play a vital role in articulating the concerns and demands of their constituents. Through their active participation in parliamentary debates and discussions, members strive to address the issues faced by the people and work towards their betterment.
CONCLUSION
The composition of Parliament in India, with its two houses, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, is a cornerstone of the country’s democratic system. The Parliament serves as the primary legislative body responsible for making laws, debating important issues, and ensuring the accountability of the government. It plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s policies, safeguarding the interests of the people, and ensuring good governance. By understanding the composition and significance of the Indian Parliament, we gain insights into the functioning of our democratic system and the role each citizen plays in shaping the nation’s future. With its diverse composition, powers, and functions, the Indian Parliament remains a symbol of India’s vibrant democracy and a platform for collective decision-making. As we continue to evolve as a nation, the Indian Parliament will continue to adapt and uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution, serving as the cornerstone of our democratic governance system.
This article is written by, Unnathi Baskar,Vidya Mandir Ind. PU college ,PCMC during her internship at LeDroit India.
