Describe the structure of the Indian Parliament and its functions

316 Oct 2024

Nikhil Kumar2 followers

The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India. It consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – and the President of India. This structure ensures a balanced representation of the people and the states in the governance of the country.

1. Structure of the Indian Parliament

The Indian Parliament is bicameral, meaning it has two houses that together perform legislative functions. The Lok Sabha represents the people, while the Rajya Sabha represents the states.

Sub-topics under this:

Lok Sabha: The Lok Sabha is the lower house, consisting of members directly elected by the people of India. It represents the people"s will and has a maximum strength of 552 members.
Rajya Sabha: The Rajya Sabha is the upper house, representing the states and union territories. It is a permanent body with a maximum strength of 250 members, with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
President: The President is an integral part of Parliament, with the authority to summon and dissolve the Lok Sabha and assent to bills passed by both houses.
Bicameral System: This system ensures representation of both the people and the states, balancing local interests with national governance.

2. Legislative Functions of the Indian Parliament

The primary function of the Indian Parliament is lawmaking. Both houses are involved in the process of drafting, debating, and passing laws that govern the country.

Sub-topics under this:

Law Making: Bills can be introduced in either house, but money bills must originate in the Lok Sabha. Once passed by both houses and assented to by the President, they become laws.
Budget and Finance: The Parliament approves the Union Budget, which outlines government expenditure and revenue for the financial year.
Amendment of the Constitution: The Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, subject to certain conditions.
Control Over Executive: The Parliament holds the executive accountable through tools like question hours, debates, and motions.

3. Other Functions of the Indian Parliament

Beyond lawmaking, the Parliament has several other functions that ensure the effective governance of the country.

Sub-topics under this:

Representation: The Parliament represents the interests of the people and the states in the legislative process.
Deliberation: It provides a platform for debating national policies and issues, ensuring a comprehensive discussion on matters of public importance.
Oversight: The Parliament monitors the functioning of the executive, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
Judicial Functions: In cases of impeachment of the President or the removal of judges, the Parliament plays a judicial role.

Key Questions for Revision

What is the structure of the Indian Parliament?
The Indian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the President of India.
What are the main legislative functions of Parliament?
Its primary functions include lawmaking, approving the budget, and amending the Constitution.
What other roles does Parliament play?
Besides lawmaking, it represents the people, debates national policies, monitors the executive, and plays a judicial role in specific cases.

In conclusion, the Indian Parliament is a vital institution in the country"s governance. Its bicameral structure ensures fair representation, while its functions in lawmaking, budget approval, and executive oversight make it crucial for maintaining democracy in India.