Parliament of India, Powers & Significance, Houses, Functions

The Parliament of India

The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country. It is responsible for making laws, discussing important national issues, and ensuring the proper functioning of the government. 

The Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping the country's future by debating and passing laws that affect the lives of every Indian citizen. In this post, we will explore the structure, functions, and significance of the Parliament of India in simple and easy-to-understand language.

Structure of the Parliament of India

The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature, meaning it consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), along with the President of India. This three-part structure helps balance representation and decision-making in the country. Let’s dive deeper into each component.

1. The President of India

• The President is the ceremonial head of the Parliament. Though they are the formal head, most of the powers and functions related to Parliament are exercised by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
• The President's main role in the Parliament includes:
  • Summoning and proroguing (ending) sessions of both houses.
  • Giving assent to bills passed by Parliament to make them law.
  • Addressing the joint session of Parliament to outline the government’s policies and goals.

2. The Lok Sabha (House of the People)

• The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament and the most important legislative body in India. It represents the people of India directly.
• The members of the Lok Sabha are elected by the people through general elections based on direct voting.
• It has a total of 545 members, of which:
  • 543 members are directly elected from constituencies across the country.
  • 2 members are nominated by the President, who are from the Anglo-Indian community (though this provision is no longer in effect after the 104th Constitutional Amendment of 2019).
• The Lok Sabha performs crucial functions, such as:
  • Passing laws (bills).
  • Discussing national and international issues.
  • Approving the annual budget.
  • Scrutinizing and questioning the work of the government through various procedures, like asking questions and debates.

3. The Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

• The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament. It represents the states and union territories of India.
• Unlike the Lok Sabha, members of the Rajya Sabha are not elected directly by the people. Instead, they are elected by the members of the state legislative assemblies and by members of the Lok Sabha, as well as nominated by the President.
• The Rajya Sabha has 245 members, out of which:
  • 233 members are elected by the members of state legislative assemblies and members of the Lok Sabha.
  • 12 members are nominated by the President for their contributions to fields like literature, science, art, and social services.
• The Rajya Sabha’s main functions include:
  • Reviewing and suggesting amendments to bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
  • Discussing matters concerning states and union territories.
  • Providing a forum for debate on national issues and policies.

Key Features of Parliament’s Structure

• Bicameral System: The Parliament is bicameral, meaning it consists of two houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) for a better balance between representation and governance.

• Separation of Powers: While the President acts as the ceremonial head, real legislative power lies with the two houses of Parliament. The Lok Sabha holds more significance because of its direct election by the people.

• Checks and Balances: The structure ensures a system of checks and balances. For example, while the Lok Sabha plays a more direct role in lawmaking, the Rajya Sabha acts as a revising chamber to review and amend the laws passed by the lower house.

This structure of the Parliament ensures democratic functioning, with both houses playing essential roles in representing the people and the states, creating laws, and holding the government accountable for its actions.

Functions of the Parliament of India

The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country, and its primary role is to make laws, discuss national issues, and monitor the functioning of the government. The Parliament has several important functions that ensure the proper governance and democracy of India. Let's take a closer look at these functions in simple language.

1. Law-Making

• One of the most important functions of the Parliament is to make laws for the country. A bill (proposed law) is introduced in either house of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha), and it must be discussed, debated, and passed by both houses before being sent to the President for approval.
• The Parliament makes laws on a wide range of issues, such as health, education, environment, and the economy. These laws affect the daily lives of citizens and help in the overall development of the country.

2. Controlling the Executive

• The Parliament is responsible for overseeing and controlling the actions of the executive branch of the government (the Prime Minister and the Cabinet). This is done through various procedures, such as:
  • Question Hour: MPs (Members of Parliament) can ask questions to ministers regarding government policies and decisions.
  • Debates and Discussions: Important matters are debated in the Parliament, and the government is held accountable for its decisions.
  • Votes of Confidence: If the Lok Sabha loses confidence in the government, a vote of no-confidence can be moved, which may result in the resignation of the government.

3. Approving the Budget

• The annual budget is a key responsibility of Parliament. The government presents its financial plan for the year, including how much it plans to spend and how much revenue it expects to earn.
• The Parliament debates the budget and can suggest changes or reject it. This process ensures that the government’s financial plans are in line with national priorities and public welfare.

4. Impeachment and Removal of Officials

• The Parliament has the power to remove certain high-ranking officials from office. For example:
  • Impeachment of the President: The President can be impeached if they are found guilty of violating the Constitution.
  • Removal of Judges: The Parliament can remove judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts if they are found guilty of misbehavior or incapacity.
• This function ensures that powerful individuals are held accountable for their actions.

5. Representation of the People

• The Parliament represents the citizens of India. In the Lok Sabha, MPs are directly elected by the people through general elections. These MPs represent the interests, concerns, and aspirations of their constituents (the people who voted for them).
• The Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, represents the states and union territories, ensuring that all regions have a voice in national matters.

6. Amendment of the Constitution

• The Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution of India, provided it follows a specific process. This allows Parliament to make necessary changes to the Constitution as the country evolves and faces new challenges.
• Amendments may involve changes in laws, the structure of government, or the rights of citizens.

7. Ensuring National Security

• The Parliament plays a role in ensuring the security of the nation. For example:
  • It discusses issues related to national defense and foreign relations.
  • It approves the declaration of war or peace treaties.
  • Parliament also discusses policies and measures to safeguard the country’s borders and maintain law and order.

8. Making Recommendations and Debating National Issues

• Parliament also serves as a forum for debating national issues. This includes a wide variety of topics like economic policies, social justice, environmental protection, and national development.
• MPs bring the concerns of the people into the Parliament, where they are discussed and debated, leading to decisions that reflect the needs and desires of the citizens.

9. Creating Committees for Detailed Work

• Parliament forms various committees to look into specific issues in detail. These committees examine proposed laws, check the work of government ministries, and study policies. The committees then report their findings to the Parliament, which helps in making informed decisions.
• Some well-known committees include:
  • Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
  • Finance Committee
  • Estimates Committee

The functions of the Parliament of India are vast and vital for the proper governance and functioning of the country. It is the forum where laws are made, the government is held accountable, and important national issues are discussed. Through these functions, the Parliament ensures that democracy is maintained, the Constitution is upheld, and the needs and concerns of the people are addressed. By performing these roles, the Parliament plays a key role in shaping India’s present and future.

Sessions of the Parliament of India

The Parliament of India works through various sessions throughout the year to conduct its business. These sessions are essential for discussing national issues, passing bills, and holding the government accountable. The Parliament’s year is divided into different sessions, each focusing on specific matters. Let’s explore the different sessions of the Parliament in simple language.

1. Types of Sessions

The Parliament of India meets in three main sessions every year:

• Budget Session

  • The Budget Session is one of the most significant sessions. It usually begins in February and may last until May.
  • This session primarily focuses on presenting and passing the annual budget of the country, which is a financial plan of the government for the coming year.
  • The session also includes discussions on important issues, bills, and the government's economic policies.

• Monsoon Session

  • The Monsoon Session typically begins in July and continues until September.
  • During this session, Parliament debates and discusses important matters related to the country’s governance, national security, and public welfare.
  • The session gets its name because it coincides with the monsoon season, but it is focused on legislative work rather than weather.

• Winter Session

  • The Winter Session is usually held in November-December and lasts until December.
  • This session deals with pending bills, discussions on national issues, and policies.
  • It is also a time for reviewing government actions and preparing for the next year’s budget.

2. Special Sessions

Apart from the regular sessions, special sessions can be called by the President of India or the Prime Minister. Special sessions are convened to discuss urgent matters such as:

• Major national crises (e.g., war, natural disasters, etc.).
• Constitutional amendments or important reforms.
• Specific events requiring the attention of both houses of Parliament.

3. Summoning and Proroguing of Sessions

• Summoning: The President of India has the authority to summon Parliament and set the dates for its sessions. Parliament meets as per the dates set by the President.
• Proroguing: At the end of a session, the President may prorogue (end) the session. This means Parliament stops working temporarily until the next session begins. During prorogation, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are not in session, but they can still meet individually if necessary.
• Adjournment: A session can be temporarily suspended for a short period. The house reconvenes after the adjournment.

4. Sittings in a Session

Each session is divided into several sittings, which are the actual days when Parliament meets to carry out its work.

• During each sitting, various activities take place:
  • Debates on bills and issues.
  • Question Hour where MPs ask questions to ministers.
  • Discussions on important topics.
  • Passing of bills and resolutions.
  • Government's reply to issues raised during debates.

5. Duration of Sessions

• Budget Session: It generally lasts around two to three months, starting in February and running through April or May.
• Monsoon Session: This session lasts about one to one-and-a-half months, typically from July to September.
• Winter Session: The winter session is shorter, lasting around one to two months, between November and December.

The President can also call a joint session of both houses in case of a deadlock (when both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha do not agree on a bill). In such a session, both houses meet together to discuss and resolve the issue.

Importance of the Parliament of India

The Parliament of India is the cornerstone of India’s democracy. It plays a central role in the country's political system and governance. The Parliament is not just a place where laws are made, but it also represents the will of the people and ensures that the government remains accountable. Let’s take a look at why the Parliament of India is so important.

1. Law-Making

• The Parliament is the primary legislative body in India, and its main function is to make laws. The laws passed by the Parliament directly affect the lives of the people, from education policies to healthcare, economy, and social welfare.
• Without the Parliament’s role in law-making, there would be no framework for the smooth functioning of the nation.

2. Ensuring Democracy

• The Parliament represents the voice of the people. In a democracy like India, elected representatives in the Lok Sabha (House of the People) ensure that the interests of the citizens are represented. The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) represents the states and union territories.
• Through regular elections, the people have the power to choose their representatives. This system of representation ensures that decisions are made by the people, for the people.

3. Checks and Balances on the Executive

• In India, the executive (the government) is accountable to the Parliament. The Parliament can question and scrutinize the government's actions through Question Hour, debates, and discussions.
• It also plays a vital role in ensuring that the government remains responsible for its actions and decisions. For example, if a government loses the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha, it must resign.

4. Protecting Fundamental Rights

• The Parliament has the power to make laws that protect the fundamental rights of Indian citizens. These rights are the basic freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, such as the right to equality, freedom of speech, and the right to education.
• The Parliament ensures that these rights are safeguarded and that no laws are passed that would harm the freedoms of citizens.

5. Debating and Discussing National Issues

• The Parliament serves as the forum for debate and discussion on national and international issues. From economic policies to national security and social issues, Parliament is where these topics are openly discussed and debated.
• This helps ensure transparency in decision-making and provides citizens with the opportunity to understand and engage with national issues.

6. Overseeing and Controlling Government Policies

• The Parliament plays an essential role in overseeing the execution of government policies. Through debates, discussions, and the Public Accounts Committee, Parliament monitors how the government is implementing its plans.
• The government is answerable to the Parliament for its policies and any discrepancies or issues in its functioning can be highlighted through parliamentary debates.

7. Economic Oversight

• The annual budget of the country is presented and passed in Parliament. This budget is a vital tool for determining the government's spending and revenue collection.
• Parliament ensures that the government spends money wisely and efficiently, focusing on areas such as development, welfare, education, and healthcare.

8. Amending the Constitution

• The Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution of India. If the Constitution needs changes or updates, Parliament can propose amendments to reflect the needs of the country.
• These amendments are important as they help the Constitution remain relevant to the country’s changing needs and challenges.

9. Ensuring National Security

• The Parliament plays an important role in ensuring the national security of the country. It debates issues related to defense, foreign relations, and internal security.
• Parliament approves any declaration of war or treaties with other countries, ensuring that national security decisions are taken with the consent of the people’s representatives.

10. Promoting National Integration

• The Parliament brings together representatives from different states, regions, and communities, ensuring that the diverse cultures and interests of India are well-represented.
• It promotes unity by discussing and resolving issues that affect various regions and ensuring that policies are inclusive.

The Parliament of India holds immense importance in shaping the country’s governance and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. It makes laws, protects fundamental rights, debates national issues, and oversees the government’s actions. By providing a platform for diverse voices and representing the interests of citizens, Parliament upholds democracy and helps maintain peace, security, and development in the country. In short, the Parliament is the backbone of India's democratic system, making it central to the country's functioning and growth.

Incidents in the Parliament of India

The Parliament of India, as the supreme legislative body in the country, has witnessed several important incidents that have had a significant impact on the nation's history, politics, and governance. Some of these incidents have been critical turning points, while others have highlighted the challenges and tensions within India’s political system. Let's look at some notable incidents that have shaped the Parliament of India.

1. The First Session of Parliament (1952)

• The first session of the Indian Parliament after independence was held in 1952. This was an important moment in India's democratic history, as it marked the beginning of India's independent democratic governance.
• The session was conducted in the Central Hall of Parliament, and it was a historic event that set the tone for the future functioning of the Indian democracy.

2. Indira Gandhi’s Emergency (1975-1977)

• One of the most significant incidents in the history of the Indian Parliament was the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The Emergency gave the Prime Minister sweeping powers to rule by decree, bypassing the Parliament.
• During this period, several opposition leaders were arrested, political activities were severely restricted, and civil liberties were suspended. The Emergency was widely seen as an assault on Indian democracy, and it raised serious concerns about the balance of power between the executive and the legislature.

3. The 1962 India-China War Debate

• After the 1962 India-China War, there was intense debate in Parliament regarding the handling of the war, India’s defense preparedness, and the military strategy.
• The Parliament session focused on discussing the national security situation and the government’s response to the war. This was one of the first times Parliament was used as a platform for a public reckoning with national defense policy.

4. The 1991 Economic Liberalization Debate

• In 1991, the then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh presented the Economic Reforms and Liberalization policies in Parliament. These reforms, which included opening up the Indian economy to foreign investments and reducing government control, sparked significant debate in the Parliament.
• The reforms marked a historic shift in India's economic policy and led to significant changes in the country’s global economic standing.

5. The 2001 Attack on Parliament

• One of the most alarming incidents in recent history was the terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001. Militants attacked the Parliament complex, leading to the deaths of several security personnel and a few civilians.
• The attack raised serious concerns about national security and led to heightened security measures across the country. The Parliament session that followed was marked by discussions on terrorism, security, and the country's defense policy.

6. The 1993 Mumbai Bombings Debate

• After the 1993 Mumbai bombings, Parliament held intense discussions regarding the role of organized crime and terrorism in the attack. The attack, which killed over 250 people, led to debates in Parliament on how to strengthen India’s anti-terrorism laws and prevent similar incidents in the future.

7. The 2012 Lokpal Bill Protest

• The Lokpal Bill, which aimed at creating an independent body to investigate corruption in public offices, sparked nationwide protests. A major hunger strike by Anna Hazare in 2011 and 2012 brought the issue to the forefront, leading to intense debates and deliberations in Parliament.
• While the Bill was passed later, it marked a turning point in the public's relationship with the Parliament and the government, as it showed the growing demand for transparency and anti-corruption measures.

8. The 2016 Demonetization Debate

• Demonetization, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016, became a highly controversial topic of discussion in Parliament. The decision to ban ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes to combat black money and corruption was debated extensively in both Houses.
• Members of Parliament expressed differing views on the impact of demonetization, with the opposition accusing the government of causing economic hardship, while the ruling party defended the move as necessary for curbing corruption.

9. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Protests (2019)

• The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, triggered widespread protests across the country. The law provided a path to citizenship for religious minorities from neighboring countries, excluding Muslims. The controversy surrounding the law led to heated debates and protests both inside and outside Parliament.
• The protests were among the largest in India’s recent history and highlighted tensions over citizenship, religion, and national identity.

10. The Farm Laws Protests (2020-2021)

• The Farm Laws passed in 2020 sparked one of the most significant farmer-led protests in India. Farmers from across the country marched to Delhi and held protests against the three new farm laws, which they believed would benefit large corporations and weaken their bargaining power.
• The protests were widely discussed in Parliament, and the issue of agrarian distress became a major topic of debate, ultimately leading to the repeal of the laws in 2021.

The Parliament of India has been the site of several critical incidents that have shaped the country’s political, economic, and social landscape. From the emergency period to the terrorist attack on Parliament, from economic reforms to the Citizenship Amendment Act, these incidents have not only impacted the functioning of the Parliament but have also influenced public opinion, governance, and policy in India. The debates and discussions that take place within the Parliament are a reflection of the dynamic nature of India’s democracy and the importance of Parliament in maintaining the democratic fabric of the country.

Conclusion

The Parliament of India is the backbone of the country’s democracy, providing a platform for elected representatives to make decisions that shape the future of the nation. It is a place where laws are made, national issues are discussed, and the government is held accountable for its actions. Understanding the structure and functions of Parliament helps us appreciate the role it plays in preserving democracy and ensuring the well-being of the people of India.