What is Parliament?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Article 79 of the Constitution states that the Parliament consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.
- 2.
Lok Sabha (Lower House): Members are directly elected by the people for a term of 5 years (unless dissolved earlier). Maximum strength is 550 (originally 552, with 2 Anglo-Indian nominated members abolished by 104th CAA). Money Bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha.
- 3.
Rajya Sabha (Upper House): Members are indirectly elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies for a term of 6 years, with one-third retiring every two years. It is a permanent house and cannot be dissolved. Maximum strength is 250 (currently 245, with 12 nominated by the President).
- 4.
Functions: Enacts laws (legislative), controls the executive (e.g., Question Hour, No-Confidence Motion), approves the budget and taxation (financial), amends the Constitution (constituent), and performs electoral and judicial functions.
- 5.
Sessions: The President summons Parliament. There must not be a gap of more than six months between two sessions. Typically, there are three sessions: Budget, Monsoon, and Winter.
- 6.
Officers: The Lok Sabha is presided over by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The Rajya Sabha is presided over by the Vice-President of India (ex-officio Chairman) and a Deputy Chairman.
- 7.
Parliamentary Privileges: Members enjoy certain collective and individual privileges to ensure their independent and effective functioning.
- 8.
Quorum: One-tenth of the total membership of the House is required to constitute a meeting.
Visual Insights
Evolution of Indian Parliament
Key milestones in the evolution of the Indian Parliament.
The Indian Parliament has evolved from a colonial-era legislature to a sovereign body reflecting the will of the people.
- 1919Government of India Act 1919 introduces bicameral legislature.
- 1935Government of India Act 1935 further expands the legislature.
- 1952First General Elections and Constitution of the first Parliament.
- 197844th Amendment Act strengthens parliamentary sovereignty.
- 2005Right to Information Act enhances transparency and accountability.
- 2015Increased disruptions and debates over legislative processes.
- 2020Debate on the effectiveness of parliamentary committees.
- 2026Opposition questions government's trade deal announcement platform choice.
Recent Developments
5 developmentsInauguration of the New Parliament Building as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
Increased focus on parliamentary productivity and debates on disruptions.
Introduction and passage of significant legislation, including the Women's Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam).
Debates on the role and effectiveness of parliamentary committees in scrutinizing legislation.
Discussions on the use of technology in parliamentary proceedings and record-keeping.