The Parliament-in-depth

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Parliament: Structure, Powers, and Functions

Parliament is the supreme legislative body responsible for making laws, overseeing the government, and representing the people. It plays a crucial role in a democratic system by ensuring accountability, governance, and lawmaking.


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1. Structure of Parliament

Parliament consists of three components:

1. The President


2. The Lok Sabha (House of the People)


3. The Rajya Sabha (Council of States)



Each component has a distinct role in governance and legislation.

A. The President and Their Role in Parliament

The President is the constitutional head of the state and an integral part of Parliament. However, they do not participate in daily proceedings. Their role includes:

Summoning and Proroguing Sessions: The President calls Parliament into session and dissolves the Lok Sabha when required.

Giving Assent to Bills: A bill passed by both houses becomes a law only after the President’s approval.

Ordinance-Making Power (Article 123): The President can issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session if urgent legislative action is required.

Addressing Parliament: The President addresses a joint session at the beginning of each parliamentary year.

Dissolving Lok Sabha: On the advice of the Prime Minister, the President can dissolve the Lok Sabha and call for elections.


B. Lok Sabha (House of the People)

The Lok Sabha is the lower house of Parliament and represents the people directly.

Composition of Lok Sabha

Maximum strength: 552 members

530 members from states (elected directly by citizens).

20 members from Union Territories.

2 members nominated by the President (from the Anglo-Indian community; however, this provision was removed by the 104th Constitutional Amendment in 2019).



Election and Tenure

Members are elected through direct elections based on universal adult suffrage.

The tenure is 5 years, but it can be dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Elections follow the first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the highest votes wins.


Powers and Functions of Lok Sabha

Legislative Power: Passes bills and makes laws.

Financial Power: Controls the government’s budget and taxation. Money Bills can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.

Executive Control: Holds the government accountable through debates, motions, and the Question Hour.

Amendment Power: Participates in amending the Constitution.

Electoral Power: Elects the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and participates in electing the President and Vice President.


Leader of Lok Sabha

The Speaker is the presiding officer and is elected by the members.

The Speaker ensures discipline, conducts proceedings, and has the power to cast a decisive vote in case of a tie.



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C. Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament and represents the states and Union Territories.

Composition of Rajya Sabha

Maximum strength: 250 members

238 members elected by state legislatures.

12 members nominated by the President (eminent personalities from arts, literature, science, and social services).



Election and Tenure

Members are indirectly elected by the state legislative assemblies using proportional representation.

The tenure is 6 years, and one-third of the members retire every 2 years, making Rajya Sabha a permanent house that never dissolves.


Powers and Functions of Rajya Sabha

Legislative Power: Participates in the lawmaking process.

Review and Delay Power: Can suggest changes to bills but cannot reject Money Bills.

Special Power (Article 249): Can authorize Parliament to make laws on State List subjects if needed.

Checks and Balances: Ensures stability and prevents hasty legislation by reviewing Lok Sabha decisions.

Electoral Role: Participates in electing the Vice President.


Chairperson of Rajya Sabha

The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairperson of Rajya Sabha.

The Deputy Chairperson is elected by Rajya Sabha members.



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2. Legislative Process: How a Bill Becomes a Law

A bill is a draft of a proposed law that goes through several stages before becoming an Act.

Types of Bills

1. Ordinary Bill: Deals with general matters (introduced in either house).


2. Money Bill: Deals with taxation, government spending, and financial matters (introduced only in Lok Sabha).


3. Finance Bill: Related to the financial framework of the government.


4. Constitutional Amendment Bill: Changes provisions of the Constitution (requires a special majority).



Stages of Passing a Bill

1. First Reading: The bill is introduced and discussed.


2. Second Reading: Detailed examination, debates, and amendments.


3. Third Reading: Final approval in the house.


4. Other House: The bill goes to the other house for approval.


5. Presidential Assent: The President signs the bill, making it a law.




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3. Parliamentary Procedures and Powers

A. Sessions of Parliament

There are three sessions of Parliament each year:

1. Budget Session (February–May): The most important session where the annual budget is presented.


2. Monsoon Session (July–September): Addresses legislative business.


3. Winter Session (November–December): Reviews policies and introduces bills.



B. Parliamentary Control Over the Government

1. Question Hour: MPs question ministers about government policies and decisions.


2. Zero Hour: MPs raise urgent matters without prior notice.


3. Adjournment Motion: Used to discuss serious national issues.


4. No-Confidence Motion: If passed, the government must resign.



C. Financial Powers of Parliament

Annual Budget: Lok Sabha approves the government’s financial plan.

Money Bill (Article 110): Can only be introduced in Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha can only suggest changes.

Vote on Account: Allows government spending before the budget is passed.



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4. Special Powers of Parliament

Amending the Constitution (Article 368).

Impeaching the President (Article 61).

Removing judges, Chief Election Commissioner, and other officials.

Making laws on subjects in the State List (Article 249).



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5. Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha


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Conclusion

Parliament is the heart of democracy, ensuring that laws reflect the will of the people. While Lok Sabha represents the citizens directly, Rajya Sabha ensures that state interests are protected. Together, they maintain balance in governance, accountability, and policy-making.



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