Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and

Technology
157/ F, Nilgunj Road, Panihati, Kolkata 700114

Title of work- The Indian Parliament

Paper code- AECC 301

Paper name - The Constitution Human Rights and Law

Report Submitted for the Evaluation of Continuous Assessment II

Submitted by:

NAME: Subharnab Dey

Roll no: 37

Program: BSc Biotechnology

Semester: 3rd semester

Title:The Indian Parliament:

The Indian Parliament is the highest legislative authority in India, a crucial part of the country’s
democratic system. It represents the will of the people, makes laws, checks the power of the
government, and approves financial matters. Understanding the structure, roles, and functioning of
the Indian Parliament is important to grasp how governance in India operates. This report provides
an overview of the Indian Parliament, including its structure, functions, and the significance of its
role in Indian democracy.

1. Structure of the Indian Parliament

The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature, which means it has two houses: the Lok Sabha
(House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). These two houses work together to
pass laws and oversee the functioning of the government. Along with these two houses, the
President of India also plays a formal role in the legislative process, though they do not actively
participate in day-to-day legislative work.

1.1 Lok Sabha (House of the People)

The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament. It is composed of representatives
directly elected by the people in general elections that are held every five years. Each member of the
Lok Sabha represents a constituency, and there are currently a maximum of 552 seats in the Lok
Sabha:

 530 members come from the states.

 20 members are from Union Territories.
 2 members may be nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community,
though this provision was removed in 2020.

Members of the Lok Sabha are elected using a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with
the most votes in a constituency wins the seat. The party or coalition with the majority of seats in
the Lok Sabha forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.

1.2 Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian Parliament, representing the states and Union
Territories. Its members are indirectly elected by the elected members of the State Legislative
Assemblies. The Rajya Sabha has a maximum of 250 members, and its composition is as follows:

 238 members are elected by the states and Union Territories.

 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their expertise in areas like science,
art, literature, and social work.

One important difference between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is that while the Lok Sabha is
dissolved every five years, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body. Members of the Rajya Sabha
serve a six-year term, with one-third of its members retiring every two years. This system ensures
continuity and stability in the legislative process.

1.3 Role of the President of India

Though the President of India is not a member of either house, they have important responsibilities
in the legislative process. The President:

 Summons and prorogues Parliament sessions.

 Gives assent to bills passed by Parliament, making them laws.
 Can issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session, though these must be ratified by
Parliament later.

The President acts on the advice of the government, and their role is largely ceremonial in modern
times. However, their involvement in the legislative process ensures a balance in the system.

2. Functions of the Indian Parliament

The Indian Parliament has three main functions: lawmaking, executive oversight, and financial
control. These functions enable Parliament to maintain democratic governance and ensure the
proper functioning of the government.

2.1 Legislative Function

The most important role of Parliament is lawmaking. Laws are proposed in the form of bills, which
can be introduced in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, except for Money Bills, which can only
be introduced in the Lok Sabha. Parliament can make laws on subjects listed in the Union List and
Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution.

 Ordinary Bills: These bills can originate in either house of Parliament and must be passed
by both houses before becoming law. Once both houses agree on the bill, it is sent to the
President for assent.
 Money Bills: These bills deal with taxation, borrowing, and government expenditure. They
must be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and once passed, the Rajya Sabha can only suggest
amendments. However, the Lok Sabha is not obligated to accept these amendments.
 Constitutional Amendments: To amend the Constitution, Parliament must pass the
amendment bill with a two-thirds majority in both houses. Some amendments also require
approval from the states.

2.2 Executive Oversight

Another crucial function of Parliament is to ensure that the government is functioning properly and
is accountable to the people. This is done through:

 Question Hour: During sessions, members of Parliament can ask questions to ministers,
holding them accountable for their actions and policies.
 Debates and Discussions: Members debate key national and international issues, giving
them an opportunity to criticize or support government decisions.
 Votes of Confidence: The Lok Sabha can hold a vote of no confidence in the government,
which, if passed, can force the resignation of the Prime Minister and their cabinet.
 Parliamentary Committees: These committees are smaller groups within Parliament that
focus on specific areas like defense, finance, or health. They investigate policies, scrutinize
bills, and ensure that the government is functioning as expected.

2.3 Financial Control

The financial function of Parliament is one of its most important responsibilities. No money can be
spent by the government or taxes imposed without the approval of Parliament. Parliament controls
the country’s finances through:

 The Union Budget: Each year, the government presents a budget outlining its planned
expenditures and income for the coming year. Both houses discuss and vote on the budget.
 Approval of Financial Bills: All financial bills related to taxation, borrowing, and
government spending must be approved by Parliament.
 Public Accounts and Audits: Parliament checks how public money is spent, ensuring
transparency and accountability in government spending.

3. Significance of the Indian Parliament

The Indian Parliament is the cornerstone of India’s democracy. It is where laws are made, policies
are debated, and the government is held accountable. Its significance lies in the following key areas:

3.1 Representation of the People

The Lok Sabha represents the voice of the people. Every five years, citizens elect representatives to
serve in Parliament, ensuring that the government remains connected to the electorate. This
representation ensures that the needs and aspirations of the people are reflected in national policies.

The Rajya Sabha ensures that the interests of states and Union Territories are represented at the
national level. This balance between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha ensures that both the people
and the regions of India have a say in the lawmaking process.

3.2 Lawmaking and Policy Development

The primary function of Parliament is to make laws that govern the country. From education and
healthcare to security and finance, all aspects of life in India are influenced by laws passed by
Parliament. Through discussions, debates, and committee work, Parliament ensures that laws are
made in a transparent, democratic manner.

3.3 Oversight and Accountability

One of the most important roles of Parliament is to ensure that the government is functioning
properly. Through questioning ministers, holding debates, and voting on crucial matters, Parliament
ensures that the government remains accountable to the people. This oversight function is critical in
preventing the abuse of power and ensuring that policies are in line with public interest.

3.4 Fiscal Responsibility

By controlling the national budget, Parliament plays a vital role in maintaining fiscal discipline.
Parliament scrutinizes the government’s financial plans and ensures that taxpayer money is spent
efficiently. Through approval of the Union Budget and financial bills, Parliament keeps a check on
government expenditures.

4. Challenges Facing the Indian Parliament

While Parliament plays a critical role in governance, it faces several challenges:

 Frequent Disruptions: Parliament often experiences disruptions due to political

disagreements, leading to delays in legislative work.
  Underrepresentation of Women: Despite improvements, women are still underrepresented
in Parliament, making up less than 15% of its members.
 Influence of Money and Power: Elections in India are increasingly influenced by money
and power, which can sometimes result in candidates with criminal backgrounds or wealthy
backgrounds dominating the political landscape.

Conclusion

The Indian Parliament is at the heart of the country’s democratic system. It represents the people,
makes laws, oversees the government, and ensures fiscal responsibility. Despite challenges such as
disruptions and underrepresentation, Parliament remains a fundamental institution in maintaining
democracy in India. Through its bicameral structure, Parliament balances the interests of both the
people and the states, ensuring that all voices are heard in the governance of India.