Introduction
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative authority of the country, forming the core of its democratic framework. It is a bicameral legislature comprising the President of India, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
Rooted in the Constitution of India, the Parliament is empowered to enact laws, approve budgets, and hold the executive accountable. It is a direct expression of the will of the people and operates as a pillar of checks and balances in our federal system.
Structure of the Indian Parliament
1. President of India
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The President is an integral part of the Parliament.
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Functions: Summons and prorogues sessions, gives assent to bills, can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
2. Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
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Also known as the Council of States.
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Total Strength: 250 (currently around 245).
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Membership:
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233 elected by State and UT legislatures.
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12 nominated by the President for their contributions to arts, literature, science, or social services.
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Key Features:
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Permanent body; one-third of members retire every 2 years.
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Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman.
3. Lok Sabha (Lower House)
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Also known as the House of the People.
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Total Strength: 552 (maximum), currently 543 elected members.
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Members are directly elected by citizens of India.
Key Features:
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Represents the people of India.
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Maximum term is 5 years unless dissolved earlier.
Functions and Powers of the Parliament
1. Legislative Powers
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Can make laws on subjects in the Union List and Concurrent List.
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In case of conflict in the Concurrent List, Union law prevails.
2. Financial Powers
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Controls public finances through the Annual Budget.
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Money Bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha.
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Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes to Money Bills.
3. Executive Control
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Parliament exercises control over the Executive through:
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Question Hour
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Zero Hour
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No-confidence motion
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Censure motion
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Committee system
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4. Electoral Functions
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Participates in the election of:
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President (with State Legislatures)
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Vice President
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Elects Speaker and Deputy Speaker (Lok Sabha), Deputy Chairman (Rajya Sabha).
5. Judicial Functions
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Can impeach:
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President
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Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
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Can punish for breach of privilege or contempt of the House.
Law-Making Procedure in Parliament
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Introduction of Bill (First Reading)
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Detailed Discussion (Second Reading)
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Consideration in Committees
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Debate and Voting (Third Reading)
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Passage by both Houses
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Assent by the President
Types of Bills:
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Ordinary Bill
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Money Bill
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Financial Bill
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Constitutional Amendment Bill
Sessions of Parliament
Parliament must meet at least twice a year. There are usually three sessions:
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Budget Session (February–May)
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Monsoon Session (July–September)
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Winter Session (November–December)
Important Parliamentary Positions
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Speaker of Lok Sabha: Presides over sessions, maintains order, and interprets rules.
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Deputy Speaker: Assists the Speaker.
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Leader of the House: Usually the Prime Minister in Lok Sabha.
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Leader of the Opposition: Heads the largest opposition party.
Parliamentary Committees
Committees are small groups of MPs for detailed work. Types include:
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Standing Committees
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Ad-hoc Committees
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Financial Committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
They improve legislative efficiency and oversight.
Significance of Parliament
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Represents the voice of the people.
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Upholds democracy, accountability, and rule of law.
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Facilitates debate, discussion, and deliberation on national issues.
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Balances Centre–State relations in lawmaking.
Conclusion
The Parliament of India is not just a law-making body; it is the bedrock of our democratic system. It acts as the voice of the people, the guardian of constitutional values, and a powerful check on executive authority. While challenges like disruptions and lack of debate have emerged, strengthening parliamentary functioning remains crucial for a vibrant and inclusive democracy.