2 minConstitutional Provision
Constitutional Provision

Parliament of India (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)

Parliament of India (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) क्या है?

The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, comprising the President and the two Houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). It embodies the principle of bicameralism and parliamentary democracy.

ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

The bicameral structure of the Indian Parliament is inspired by the British Westminster model. The Government of India Act, 1919 and 1935 laid the foundational framework for a bicameral legislature. The Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, formally established the modern Parliament as the central legislative authority.

मुख्य प्रावधान

9 points
  • 1.

    Composition: The Parliament consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha (Article 79).

  • 2.

    Lok Sabha: Maximum 550 members (originally 552, 2 Anglo-Indian nominated seats abolished by 104th CAA 2019), directly elected by the people from territorial constituencies. Its term is 5 years, unless dissolved earlier. It represents the people directly.

  • 3.

    Rajya Sabha: Maximum 250 members, 238 elected indirectly by elected members of state legislative assemblies, and 12 members nominated by the President for their special knowledge or practical experience in art, literature, science, and social service. It is a permanent body, with one-third of its members retiring every two years, representing the states.

  • 4.

    Legislative Powers: Enacts laws on subjects in the Union List and Concurrent List, and under certain circumstances, on the State List.

  • 5.

    Control over Executive: Holds the executive (Council of Ministers) accountable through various mechanisms like questions, resolutions, no-confidence motions (only in Lok Sabha), and debates.

  • 6.

    Financial Powers: Approves the annual budget (Article 112), authorizes government expenditure, and levies taxes. Lok Sabha has superior powers in Money Bills.

  • 7.

    Constituent Powers: Amends the Constitution (Article 368).

  • 8.

    Judicial Powers: Can impeach the President, Vice-President, judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, and other high constitutional functionaries.

  • 9.

    Electoral Powers: Participates in the election of the President and Vice-President.

दृश्य सामग्री

Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha: A Comparative Study

This table provides a side-by-side comparison of the two Houses of the Indian Parliament, highlighting their distinct features, powers, and roles in India's bicameral system.

FeatureLok Sabha (House of the People)Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
Composition (Max)550 members (originally 552, 2 Anglo-Indian seats abolished by 104th CAA 2019)250 members (238 elected, 12 nominated)
Election TypeDirectly elected by people from territorial constituenciesIndirectly elected by elected members of state legislative assemblies (proportional representation by single transferable vote)
Term5 years (unless dissolved earlier)Permanent body; 1/3rd members retire every 2 years
RepresentationRepresents the people of IndiaRepresents the States and Union Territories
Presiding OfficerSpeaker (elected by LS members)Chairman (Vice-President of India)
Money BillsSuperior powers; can introduce, pass, reject/accept RS recommendationsLimited powers; can only recommend amendments within 14 days
No-Confidence MotionCan initiate and pass against the Council of MinistersCannot initiate or pass a No-Confidence Motion
Special PowersExclusive power to introduce Money Bills; can pass No-Confidence MotionArt. 249: Parliament to legislate on State List (national interest); Art. 312: Creation of All India Services

Parliament of India: Structure and Functions

This mind map illustrates the constitutional structure of the Indian Parliament and its primary functions, highlighting the interconnectedness of its components.

Parliament of India (Art. 79)

  • President (Integral Part)
  • Lok Sabha (House of the People)
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
  • Key Functions & Powers

हालिया विकास

5 विकास

Debates on the role of Rajya Sabha in delaying or scrutinizing legislation, especially non-Money Bills.

Concerns over the quality of debate, increasing disruptions, and declining attendance in both Houses.

Demand for electoral reforms for both Houses, including issues related to proportional representation and funding.

The inauguration of the New Parliament Building in 2023, designed to accommodate future expansion and modern parliamentary needs.

Passage of the Women's Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023) by both Houses, aiming to reserve one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

स्रोत विषय

Parliament's Winter Session Achieves Over 100% Productivity, Passing Key Bills

Polity & Governance

UPSC महत्व

Core topic for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance). Extremely important for both Prelims (composition, powers, special powers of each House, constitutional articles) and Mains (functioning, challenges, reforms, role in federalism and democracy).

Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha: A Comparative Study

This table provides a side-by-side comparison of the two Houses of the Indian Parliament, highlighting their distinct features, powers, and roles in India's bicameral system.

Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha: Key Differences

FeatureLok Sabha (House of the People)Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
Composition (Max)550 members (originally 552, 2 Anglo-Indian seats abolished by 104th CAA 2019)250 members (238 elected, 12 nominated)
Election TypeDirectly elected by people from territorial constituenciesIndirectly elected by elected members of state legislative assemblies (proportional representation by single transferable vote)
Term5 years (unless dissolved earlier)Permanent body; 1/3rd members retire every 2 years
RepresentationRepresents the people of IndiaRepresents the States and Union Territories
Presiding OfficerSpeaker (elected by LS members)Chairman (Vice-President of India)
Money BillsSuperior powers; can introduce, pass, reject/accept RS recommendationsLimited powers; can only recommend amendments within 14 days
No-Confidence MotionCan initiate and pass against the Council of MinistersCannot initiate or pass a No-Confidence Motion
Special PowersExclusive power to introduce Money Bills; can pass No-Confidence MotionArt. 249: Parliament to legislate on State List (national interest); Art. 312: Creation of All India Services

💡 Highlighted: Row 1 is particularly important for exam preparation

Parliament of India: Structure and Functions

This mind map illustrates the constitutional structure of the Indian Parliament and its primary functions, highlighting the interconnectedness of its components.

Parliament of India (Art. 79)

Summons/Prorogues Parliament

Assents to Bills (Art. 111)

550 Members, Direct Election

Money Bills, No-Confidence Motion

250 Members, Indirect Election, Permanent

Art. 249, Art. 312

Law Making (Union & Concurrent List)

Control over Executive (Questions, Motions)

Budget Approval, Taxation

Connections
President (Integral Part)Lok Sabha (House of the People)
President (Integral Part)Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
Lok Sabha (House of the People)Key Functions & Powers
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)Key Functions & Powers