2 minConstitutional Provision
Constitutional Provision

Parliament of India

What is Parliament of India?

The supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, a bicameral legislature comprising the President and two Houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). It is the primary forum for law-making, accountability, and deliberation.

Historical Background

The concept of a legislative body in India evolved from the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935, which introduced a bicameral legislature. Post-independence, the Constitution of India established the current parliamentary system, drawing heavily from the British Westminster model.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    Bicameral Structure: Consists of the Lok Sabha (House of the People, directly elected) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States, indirectly elected).

  • 2.

    President as Integral Part: The President of India is an integral part of Parliament, though not a member of either House.

  • 3.

    Lok Sabha (Lower House): Represents the people of India, with members directly elected for a five-year term. Maximum strength 550 (530 from states, 20 from UTs), currently 543 elected members.

  • 4.

    Rajya Sabha (Upper House): Represents the states and Union Territories, with members indirectly elected. Maximum strength 250 (238 elected, 12 nominated by President), currently 245 members.

  • 5.

    Functions: Primary functions include law-making, financial control (e.g., Budget), ensuring executive accountability through questions, debates, and motions, and deliberating on national and international issues.

  • 6.

    Sessions: The President summons Parliament to meet, usually three times a year (Budget, Monsoon, Winter sessions). The gap between two sessions cannot exceed six months.

  • 7.

    Quorum: To constitute a meeting of either House, the quorum is one-tenth of the total number of members of the House.

  • 8.

    Presiding Officers: The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha, and the Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Visual Insights

Parliament of India: Structure and Functions

This mind map illustrates the structure and key functions of the Parliament of India, including its legislative, financial, and control functions.

Parliament of India

  • ●Structure
  • ●Legislative Functions
  • ●Financial Functions
  • ●Control over Executive

Recent Developments

4 developments
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Inauguration of the New Parliament Building as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.

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Ongoing debates regarding parliamentary productivity, decorum, and the frequency of disruptions.

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Increased focus on the use of technology in parliamentary proceedings and record-keeping.

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Challenges related to member attendance and effective participation in debates.

Source Topic

President Murmu Highlights India's Role in a Shifting Global Order

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Fundamental for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance). Understanding the structure, functions, and working of the Indian Parliament is essential for analyzing the Indian political system, legislative process, and democratic functioning. Frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains.

Parliament of India: Structure and Functions

This mind map illustrates the structure and key functions of the Parliament of India, including its legislative, financial, and control functions.

Parliament of India

Lok Sabha (House of the People)

Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

Passing Ordinary Bills

Passing Money Bills

Approval of Budget

Control over Public Expenditure

Question Hour & Zero Hour

Parliamentary Committees

Connections
Legislative Functions→Financial Functions
Financial Functions→Control Over Executive