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Introduction

The Parliament of India, as the supreme legislative body, consists of two houses: Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Both houses play integral roles in the legislative process, but they differ in composition, powers, and functions. This assignment aims to delve into the composition, powers, and functions of Lok Sabha while comparing its significance and authority with Rajya Sabha.

Composition of Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha is composed of representatives elected by the people of India. The Constitution of India delineates the composition as follows:

1. Members of Parliament (MPs): The maximum strength of Lok Sabha is 552 members, out of which 530 members are elected from the states, 20 members are elected from the Union Territories, and 2 members are nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community, if it feels unrepresented adequately.
2. Term of Office: The term of office for Lok Sabha members is five years unless dissolved earlier. The elections are held based on adult suffrage, and the system operates on a first-past-the-post basis.
3. Reservation of Seats: The Constitution provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure adequate representation for marginalized communities.

Powers and Functions of Lok Sabha

1. Legislative Functions:

• Lawmaking: Lok Sabha, along with Rajya Sabha, deliberates and enacts laws on subjects under the Union List and Concurrent List.
• Budget Approval: Lok Sabha has the exclusive power to approve the budget and financial bills. The annual budget is presented by the Finance Minister and scrutinized by the Lok Sabha.
• Passing of Bills: All bills, except money bills, can originate in either house, but they must be passed by both houses. However, in case of disagreement between the two houses, Lok Sabha’s decision prevails.

1. Financial Control:

• Lok Sabha exercises control over the executive through various financial measures. It can vote on demands for grants, taxation, and expenditure.
• No money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without the approval of Lok Sabha.

1. Oversight Functions:

• Question Hour: Members can ask questions to ministers, who are obligated to respond. This mechanism ensures accountability of the executive to the legislature.
• Committee System: Lok Sabha constitutes various committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Estimates Committee, and Committee on Public Undertakings to oversee the functioning of the government.

1. Constituent Functions:

• Lok Sabha participates in the amendment of the Constitution, subject to specific procedures laid down in the Constitution.

Comparison with Rajya Sabha

While both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are crucial components of India’s bicameral legislature, Lok Sabha holds certain advantages over Rajya Sabha, making it relatively more powerful:

1. Representation: Lok Sabha represents the people directly through elected members, whereas Rajya Sabha represents the states indirectly. This direct representation gives Lok Sabha more legitimacy and democratic authority.
2. Control over Finance: Lok Sabha has exclusive control over money bills and the budget, giving it a significant advantage in financial matters.
3. Term of Office: The term of Lok Sabha is fixed, ensuring stability and continuity, whereas Rajya Sabha’s members are subject to rotation, leading to a less stable legislative body.
4. Final Decision in Disputes: In case of a deadlock between the two houses, the opinion of Lok Sabha prevails, showcasing its supremacy in legislative matters.

Conclusion

Lok Sabha, as the lower house of the Indian Parliament, holds significant powers and functions vital for the functioning of democracy in India. Its direct representation, control over finance, and legislative authority make it a powerful institution in the Indian political landscape. While Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in representing the states and providing a forum for intellectual debate, Lok Sabha’s supremacy in many key areas makes it the more powerful house of the Indian Parliament.