The Composition, Function, and Power of the Indian Parliament

Introduction:
The Indian Parliament, as the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India, plays a pivotal role in the country’s governance and democratic framework. Comprising two houses—the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)—the Parliament enacts laws, oversees the functioning of the government, and represents the interests of the Indian populace. In this assignment, we explore the composition, function, and powers of the Indian Parliament, analyzing its significance in shaping India’s political landscape.

Composition of the Indian Parliament:

1. Lok Sabha (House of the People):

• The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament, representing the people of India.
• It consists of a maximum of 545 members, of which 543 are elected directly by the people through general elections, and two members are nominated by the President of India from the Anglo-Indian community.
• Members of the Lok Sabha serve a term of five years, unless dissolved earlier.

1. Rajya Sabha (Council of States):

• The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian Parliament, representing the states and union territories of India.
• It consists of a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies and Union Territory Legislative Assemblies, and 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their expertise in various fields.
• Members of the Rajya Sabha serve a term of six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.

Function of the Indian Parliament:

1. Legislative Function:

• The primary function of the Indian Parliament is to enact laws on subjects specified in the Union List, Concurrent List, and residual matters.
• Bills introduced in either house of Parliament undergo detailed scrutiny, discussion, and debate before being passed into law. Both houses must approve a bill for it to become law.

1. Financial Function:

• The Parliament exercises control over the finances of the government through its power to approve taxation and expenditure proposals.
• The Union Budget, presented annually by the Finance Minister, is subject to approval by the Parliament, which scrutinizes and debates the budgetary allocations for various sectors and government programs.

1. Oversight Function:

• The Parliament plays a crucial role in overseeing the functioning of the executive branch of government through various mechanisms such as question hour, parliamentary committees, and motions of no-confidence.
• Members of Parliament hold the government accountable for its actions, policies, and decisions through questioning, debates, and discussions.

Powers of the Indian Parliament:

1. Legislative Powers:

• The Parliament has the exclusive authority to make laws on matters enumerated in the Union List.
• It shares legislative powers with the State Legislatures on subjects specified in the Concurrent List, although in case of conflict, the laws enacted by Parliament prevail.

1. Financial Powers:

• The Parliament exercises control over the finances of the Union Government, including the power to levy taxes, approve government expenditure, and regulate borrowing.
• Money bills, which exclusively deal with taxation and government expenditure, can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and require the President’s assent to become law.

1. Constitutional Powers:

• The Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution of India, subject to certain procedural requirements outlined in Article 368.
• Constitutional amendments require a special majority, with the approval of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting in each house, as well as ratification by a majority of the states.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Indian Parliament serves as the cornerstone of India’s democratic system, embodying the principles of representation, accountability, and governance. With its diverse composition, extensive functions, and broad powers, the Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping India’s legislative landscape, safeguarding the interests of its citizens, and upholding the principles of democracy and rule of law. Through its deliberative processes, legislative initiatives, and oversight mechanisms, the Indian Parliament remains a vital institution in India’s journey towards progress, development, and inclusive governance.