Understanding India's Parliament: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India. It is bicameral, consisting of the President of India and two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Understanding the roles, powers, and composition of these two houses is crucial for comprehending India's governance and is a key aspect of competitive exams like CLAT.
The Lok Sabha (House of the People)
The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament. Its members are directly elected by the people of India on the basis of universal adult franchise. It is considered the more powerful house due to its direct mandate from the electorate. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552 members, with 530 members representing the states, 20 representing the Union Territories, and up to 2 members nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community (though this nomination provision has been recently amended).
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament. It is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. Members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the states and Union Territories. It represents the states and their interests in the Union Parliament. The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 members, with 238 members representing the states and Union Territories, and 12 members nominated by the President from persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social services.
| Feature | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Lower House | Upper House |
| Membership | Directly elected | Indirectly elected & Nominated |
| Term | 5 years | 6 years (permanent body) |
| Presiding Officer | Speaker | Vice-President (ex-officio Chairman) |
| Financial Powers | Exclusive powers over Money Bills | Can only suggest amendments to Money Bills |
| Legislative Powers | Can initiate all bills except Money Bills | Can initiate all bills except Money Bills |
| No-Confidence Motion | Can be moved only in Lok Sabha | Cannot be moved |
| Representation | People of India | States and Union Territories |
Both houses play a vital role in the legislative process. A bill must be passed by both houses in identical form before it can become an Act. In case of a deadlock between the two houses on ordinary bills, a joint sitting of both houses can be convened, presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. However, Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and cannot be rejected or amended by the Rajya Sabha; they can only be returned with recommendations, which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept.
The Lok Sabha holds more sway in financial matters, as Money Bills originate there and the Rajya Sabha has limited power to amend them. This reflects the principle of 'no taxation without representation'.
Both houses are responsible for overseeing the executive branch. The Lok Sabha, through questions, debates, and motions like the no-confidence motion, holds the government accountable to the people's representatives. The Rajya Sabha also plays a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation and government policies, providing a check on hasty decisions and ensuring broader consensus.
Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the people, while Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by state legislative assembly members and nominated by the President.
The Lok Sabha.
Five years.
The Vice-President of India.
Learning Resources
Official website of the Lok Sabha, providing information on its history, functions, members, and proceedings.
Official website of the Rajya Sabha, offering details on its composition, legislative work, and parliamentary activities.
Detailed breakdown of Part V of the Indian Constitution, which covers the Union Executive and Parliament, including Articles related to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
An in-depth analysis of the parliamentary system in India, explaining the roles and functions of Parliament and its houses.
A clear and concise video explaining the legislative process in India, from bill introduction to enactment, covering the roles of both houses.
A comparative study highlighting the fundamental differences in powers, functions, and composition between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
A highly recommended book for competitive exams, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the Indian Parliament, its structure, and functions.
Information on the constitutional and procedural roles of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, a key figure in parliamentary proceedings.
A detailed explanation of electoral systems, including proportional representation and the single transferable vote, relevant to Rajya Sabha elections.
A comprehensive Wikipedia article covering the history, structure, powers, and functions of the Parliament of India, including both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.