What is Lok Sabha?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Maximum strength is 550 members (originally 552, with 2 Anglo-Indian nominated seats abolished by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019).
- 2.
Members are directly elected from territorial constituencies through a first-past-the-post system.
- 3.
The normal term of the Lok Sabha is five years, but it can be dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- 4.
The Presiding Officer is the Speaker, who is elected by its members, and is assisted by the Deputy Speaker.
- 5.
Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and, once passed, have overriding powers over the Rajya Sabha.
- 6.
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, meaning it must enjoy the confidence of the majority of members.
- 7.
It has the power to pass a no-confidence motion against the government, leading to its resignation.
- 8.
Plays a crucial role in law-making, approval of the Union Budget, and oversight of the executive.
- 9.
The quorum to constitute a meeting of the House is one-tenth of the total membership.
- 10.
Special powers include initiating and passing resolutions for the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and the President.
Recent Developments
5 developmentsAbolition of Anglo-Indian nominated seats by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.
Ongoing discussions regarding delimitation of constituencies after 2026 based on future census data.
Increased focus on parliamentary productivity amidst debates on disruptions and legislative scrutiny.
Construction of the new Parliament building as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
Implementation of e-Parliament initiatives for digitalizing parliamentary proceedings and records.