What is the structure of the Indian Parliament?

Structure of the Indian Parliament

The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body in India, and it plays a crucial role in the country’s democratic governance. It is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). This structure allows for a comprehensive representation of the people and the states in the legislative process.

1. The Lok Sabha

• Overview: The Lok Sabha is the lower house of Parliament and is directly elected by the people of India. Members of the Lok Sabha, known as Members of Parliament (MPs), are elected through general elections held every five years.
• Composition: The Lok Sabha can have up to 545 members, out of which 543 are elected by the people of India, and 2 are nominated by the President of India from the Anglo-Indian community if the President believes that the community is not adequately represented.
• Functions: The Lok Sabha has several key functions, including making laws, approving the budget, and representing the interests of the public. It also plays a significant role in the formation of the government, as the party or coalition with the majority of seats in the Lok Sabha forms the government.

2. The Rajya Sabha

• Overview: The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament and represents the states and union territories of India. Members of the Rajya Sabha are not directly elected by the public; instead, they are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and appointed by the President of India.
• Composition: The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies, and 12 are appointed by the President from various fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.
• Functions: The Rajya Sabha’s primary functions include reviewing and revising legislation proposed by the Lok Sabha, providing representation for states, and offering expertise on various matters. It also plays a role in approving or rejecting bills passed by the Lok Sabha.

3. The President of India

• Role: The President of India is the ceremonial head of state and plays a role in the legislative process by summoning and proroguing Parliament sessions and giving assent to bills passed by both houses.
• Functions: The President can also dissolve the Lok Sabha and appoint the Prime Minister and other key officials. The President’s role is largely ceremonial, but it includes significant constitutional responsibilities.

4. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

• Role: The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha and is responsible for maintaining order during debates, deciding who may speak, and ensuring that the rules of the house are followed.
• Functions: The Speaker has the authority to take disciplinary actions, refer bills to committees, and represent the Lok Sabha in its relations with the President and the Rajya Sabha.

5. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

• Role: The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Chairman’s responsibilities include presiding over sessions of the Rajya Sabha and ensuring the orderly conduct of business.
• Functions: The Chairman also has the power to take decisions on points of order and manage the Rajya Sabha’s administrative functions.

The structure of the Indian Parliament is designed to ensure a balance of power and representation. The two houses, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, work together to create and amend laws, oversee the government, and represent the diverse interests of the Indian populace.