Overview
This lecture covers the structure, composition, powers, and functions of the Union Parliament of India, focusing on its federal features, the roles of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and the relationship between the central and state governments.
Federal and Unitary Features of Indian Government
- India has a federal system with a strong unitary bias.
- Both the Centre and States derive authority from the Constitution of India.
- The government structure is three-tiered: Central, State, and local (Panchayats/Municipalities).
- Unitary features include a strong Centre and a single Constitution for Union and States.
- Union Territories are governed directly by the Centre and lack autonomy.
Structure and Composition of Parliament
- The Union Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha (House of the People), and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
- Lok Sabha members are directly elected; Rajya Sabha members are elected by State Legislative Assemblies (proportional representation); 12 members of Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President.
- Maximum Lok Sabha strength: 550 (530 from States, 20 from UTs); Rajya Sabha: 250 (238 elected, 12 nominated).
- Lok Sabha term: 5 years (extendable during emergency by one year at a time); Rajya Sabha is a permanent body with one-third members retiring every two years.
Functions and Powers of Parliament
- Parliament makes laws on Union List, Concurrent List, and, under certain conditions, State List subjects.
- In case of conflict on Concurrent List, Union law prevails.
- Only Parliament can legislate on State List during emergency or on Rajya Sabha’s resolution.
- Parliament passes the budget, supplementary grants, and determines members’ salaries.
- Administrative powers include votes of no-confidence, adjournment motions, and monetary controls.
Roles and Powers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- Lok Sabha: Directly elected, initiates money bills, passes no-confidence motions, more powerful in money matters.
- Rajya Sabha: Cannot initiate money bills, can delay them for 14 days, equal powers on constitutional amendments and impeachment.
- Speaker (Lok Sabha) and Deputy Chairman (Rajya Sabha) are elected by their respective houses.
- Speaker certifies money bills, presides over joint sittings.
Sessions, Quorum, and Procedures
- Parliament must meet at least twice a year; usually three sessions: Budget, Monsoon, Winter.
- Quorum: One-tenth of total membership of the house (e.g., 51 for 510 members).
- Joint sittings resolve deadlocks on ordinary bills, presided by Lok Sabha Speaker.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Federal System — A structure where powers are divided between central and state governments.
- Unitary Bias — Central government holds supremacy over states in certain areas.
- Lok Sabha — Lower house, directly elected, "House of the People."
- Rajya Sabha — Upper house, indirectly elected, "Council of States."
- Money Bill — Bill dealing with national taxation or spending, introduced only in Lok Sabha.
- No-confidence Motion — A tool for removing the government if it loses majority support.
- Quorum — Minimum members required to conduct parliamentary business (one-tenth of total strength).
- Concurrent List — Subjects where both Parliament and states can legislate.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the lists of Parliament’s legislative, financial, and administrative powers.
- Memorize the differences between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in terms of powers and election methods.
- Understand the process for passing money bills and resolving disputes between the two houses.