Political Institutions in India [UGC NTA NET Political Science Notes]
The Union Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country. It operates under a bicameral system, comprising two houses – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. This structure is fundamental to India’s democratic framework. About the composition, powers, and functions of each house is crucial for grasping how legislation is formulated and enacted in India.
Composition of the Union Parliament
The Union Parliament consists of two houses:
- Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
The Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s Parliament.
Composition:
- Maximum Strength: 550 members
- Representatives of States: Up to 530 members
- Representatives of Union Territories: Up to 20 members
- Current Strength: 543 members
- Representatives of States: 524 members
- Representatives of Union Territories: 19 members
Note: The provision for nominating two members from the Anglo-Indian community by the President was discontinued by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, which came into effect on January 25, 2020.
Term and Elections
- Term – 5 years, unless dissolved earlier
- Elections – Directly elected by the public using a first-past-the-post system
Speaker
The Speaker is elected by Lok Sabha members. The Speaker ensures order and decorum during sessions.
Powers
- Initiates money bills
- Greater powers in financial matters compared to the Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament.
Composition
- Maximum strength – 250 members
- 238 members elected by State and Union Territory legislatures
- 12 members nominated by the President for their expertise
Term and Elections
- Term – Permanent house; one-third of members retire every two years
- Elections – Indirectly elected by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies
Chairman
The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Powers
- Cannot initiate money bills
- Can suggest amendments to money bills
Sessions of Parliament
Parliament operates in sessions.
Types of Sessions
- Budget Session
- Monsoon Session
- Winter Session
Summoning
The President summons and prorogues the sessions of Parliament.
Parliamentary Committees
Committees play a vital role in the functioning of Parliament.
Types of Committees
- Standing Committees
- Select Committees
- Joint Committees
- Ad-hoc Committees
Function
These committees examine bills, budgets, and other matters in detail.
Legislative Process
The legislative process involves various types of bills.
Types of Bills
- Ordinary Bills
- Money Bills
- Finance Bills
- Constitutional Amendment Bills
Stages of Legislative Process
- Introduction
- Discussion
- Voting
- Presidential Assent
Role of the President
The President of India has functions concerning Parliament.
Functions
- Summoning and proroguing Parliament sessions
- Giving assent to bills
- Addressing the first session after each general election and the first session of each year
Quorum
Quorum is essential for conducting business in Parliament.
Lok Sabha
1/10th of the total strength is required for a quorum.
Rajya Sabha
1/10th of the total strength is also required for a quorum.
Voting in Parliament
Voting is crucial for decision-making.
Types of Voting
- Voice Vote
- Division Vote
- Recorded Vote
Majority Required
A simple majority is required for most bills, while a special majority is necessary for constitutional amendments.
Dissolution of Houses
Dissolution affects how Parliament operates.
Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha can be dissolved by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution; members serve staggered terms.
Leadership in Parliament
Leadership plays a critical role in the functioning of Parliament.
Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha.
Leader of Opposition
Recognised in both houses, the Leader of Opposition plays important role in parliamentary democracy.
Constitutional Provisions
The Constitution outlines the framework for Parliament.
Relevant Articles
Articles 79 to 122 detail the structure, powers, and functions of Parliament.
Important Amendments
Amendments have shaped the political landscape.
73rd and 74th Amendments
These amendments strengthened local self-governments, impacting the federal structure.
Judicial Review
Parliament’s laws can be challenged in the Supreme Court. This ensures laws comply with the Constitution.
Sovereignty of Parliament
Parliament holds the supreme power to make laws for the country. However, this power is subject to the Constitution.
