The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country. The provisions regarding the Parliament are outlined in Part V (The Union) and Part VI (The States) of the Constitution of India, specifically from Articles 79 to 122.
Here are the key points regarding the Parliament of India:
1. Bicameral Legislature: The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature, consisting of two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
a. Rajya Sabha: The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament. It represents the states and union territories of India. Its members, known as Rajya Sabha members or MPs, are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
b. Lok Sabha: The Lok Sabha is the lower house of Parliament. It represents the people of India. Its members, known as Members of Parliament or MPs, are directly elected by the eligible voters through general elections.
2. Functions and Powers: The Parliament of India has the authority to make laws on subjects under its jurisdiction, as enumerated in the Union List (subjects exclusively under the central government) and the Concurrent List (subjects on which both the central and state governments can legislate).
a. Legislative Functions: The Parliament has the power to enact laws, amend or repeal existing laws, and regulate various matters of national importance.
b. Financial Functions: The Parliament is responsible for approving the government's budget, authorizing the collection of taxes, and overseeing public expenditures.
c. Oversight Functions: The Parliament exercises oversight over the executive branch through question hours, debates, and parliamentary committees.
d. Constitutional Amendment: The Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution of India, subject to certain procedural requirements.
3. Composition and Membership: The Rajya Sabha has a maximum membership of 250 members, with representatives from states and union territories. The Lok Sabha has a maximum membership of 552 members, including both elected members and nominated members.
4. Presiding Officers: The Rajya Sabha is chaired by the Vice President of India, who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha is presided over by the Speaker, who is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha.
5. Sessions and Quorum: The Parliament has regular sessions (known as Monsoon Session, Winter Session, and Budget Session) during the year. A minimum number of members is required to be present for the conduct of business, which is known as quorum.
The Parliament of India plays a crucial role in the governance and legislative processes of the country. It represents the diverse interests of the states and the people and ensures democratic decision-making on matters of national importance.
Comments