Understanding the Indian 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). This structure ensures a balance of representation and deliberation in law-making.
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 'popular house' due to its direct representation of the citizenry. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552 members, with up to 530 members representing states, up to 20 representing 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 (Council of States)
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament. It is a permanent body, meaning it is not subject to dissolution. Members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the respective states and Union Territories. It represents the states and Union Territories in the Union Parliament. The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 members, with 238 elected representatives and 12 nominated by the President for their expertise in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
Powers and Functions of Parliament
The Parliament of India holds significant powers and performs various functions, primarily centered around law-making, oversight of the executive, and financial control. These powers are divided between the two houses, with some unique roles for each.
| Function | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Legislative Powers | Can initiate and pass all types of bills, including Money Bills. Has final say on ordinary bills in case of disagreement. | Can initiate and pass all types of bills, except Money Bills. Can delay ordinary bills and suggest amendments. |
| Financial Powers | Exclusive power to initiate and pass Money Bills and Financial Bills. Approves Union Budget and controls government expenditure. | Can discuss and suggest amendments to the Union Budget, but cannot reject or amend Money Bills. Can discuss Financial Bills. |
| Executive Control | Can question ministers, pass no-confidence motions, and censure motions against the government. Government is responsible to the Lok Sabha. | Can question ministers and discuss policies, but cannot pass a no-confidence motion. Government is not directly responsible to the Rajya Sabha. |
| Constituent Powers | Participates in the amendment of the Constitution. Both houses have equal powers in this regard. | Participates in the amendment of the Constitution. Both houses have equal powers in this regard. |
| Electoral Functions | Elects the President and Vice-President. Members of Lok Sabha participate in these elections. | Elects the Vice-President. Members of Rajya Sabha participate in the election of the President and Vice-President. |
| Other Powers | Can discuss international affairs, ratify treaties, and declare a state of emergency. Can also create or abolish Legislative Councils in states. | Can discuss international affairs, ratify treaties, and declare a state of emergency. Can also authorize Parliament to make laws for a state during a Proclamation of Emergency. |
The legislative process in India involves the introduction of a bill in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha (except Money Bills, which must originate in Lok Sabha). After passing through various stages like first reading, second reading (with committee and clause-by-clause consideration), and third reading in the originating house, the bill is sent to the other house. The second house also goes through similar stages. If the bill is passed by both houses in its original form, it is sent to the President for assent. In case of disagreement between the houses on an ordinary bill, a joint sitting of both houses may be convened, presided over by the Speaker of Lok Sabha, to resolve the deadlock. Money Bills, however, are exclusively handled by the Lok Sabha and cannot be rejected or amended by the Rajya Sabha; they must be returned within 14 days.
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The Lok Sabha is considered the 'popular house' because its members are directly elected by the people of India on the basis of universal adult franchise.
Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend them, only suggest amendments or return them within 14 days.
The Rajya Sabha's indirect election and permanent nature provide stability and ensure that the interests of the states are represented in the Union Parliament, acting as a check on hasty legislation.
Key Differences and Synergies
While both houses are integral to the legislative process, their composition, powers, and roles differ. The Lok Sabha, with its direct mandate, holds greater sway in financial matters and executive accountability. The Rajya Sabha, with its longer tenure and representation of states, provides a platform for deliberation and review, ensuring that legislation is well-considered and reflects diverse regional interests. The interplay between these two houses, though sometimes marked by disagreements, is crucial for the functioning of India's parliamentary democracy.
Learning Resources
Official website of the Lok Sabha, providing information on its history, members, and functioning.
Official website of the Rajya Sabha, offering details about its members, proceedings, and legislative activities.
A highly recommended book for UPSC preparation, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the Indian Parliament, its structure, and functions.
A detailed article explaining the structure, powers, and functions of the Indian Parliament, tailored for UPSC aspirants.
A video tutorial explaining the step-by-step process of how a bill is passed in the Indian Parliament, including the roles of both houses.
The official text of Part V of the Constitution of India, which details the Union Executive and Parliament, including their powers and composition.
An insightful blog post discussing the nuances of parliamentary powers within the Indian constitutional framework.
A comparative analysis highlighting the essential differences between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, crucial for exam preparation.
An explanation of the powers, functions, and significance of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in parliamentary proceedings.
A comprehensive Wikipedia article covering the history, structure, powers, and functions of the Parliament of India, including both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.