Introduction:

This article is about the Composition of Parliament in India. First, it will highlight the concept of parliament in India. Next, it will discuss functions and significance of Parliament in the Indian context. Lastly, it will analyze the composition of Parliament in India.

What is Parliament?

The parliament of India is called the Indian Parliament. In other countries, the parliament is called the Standing (or “Standing”) Council, or house of representatives. In India, it is known as the Lower House of the National Legislative Assembly or National Parliament. The members of this house are referred to as Members of Parliament or Members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).

What is Composition of Parliament? 

Composition of Parliament refers to the number of members in the two houses of India’s National Legislature Assembly (and state legislative assemblies). The Indian Parliament includes two houses – the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

What are the Two houses in Parliament?

The two houses of Parliament are called Rajya Sabha or Council of States and Lok Sabha or House of People. The Rajya Sabha is the upper house and the Lok Sabha is the lower house.

1) Rajya Sabha: It is the upper house or Council of States. The Rajya Sabha consists of not more than 250 members.

2)Lok Sabha:  

This is the lower house or House of People. The Lok Sabha consists of not more than 543 members.

Significance of Parliament:

The two houses of Parliament are the sole lawmaking bodies in India. They also hold the responsibility of reviewing and approving the president’s or governor’s action as well as communicating with the State Governments. The two houses receive recommendations from the state governments and often pass a resolution to approve the President’s or Governor’s proposed appointment of people to different posts. In addition to these, the Rajya Sabha is briefed upon any proposal that requires immediate attention of Centre by its members. The Rajya Sabha is also briefed on important bills that have been passed by the Lok Sabha.

Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions (PMBs) are introduced in Parliament by the individual members (the members of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha). A Private Member’s Bill can only be introduced in a sitting of Lok Sabha and the same shall be allowed to be debated upon by members of Lok Sabha only. On the other hand, any member of Rajya Sabha can introduce a Private Resolution, which identifies an issue or matter of importance. These resolutions are not debatable. These two houses may express their disapproval upon Governors’ actions or President’s actions through ‘No Confidence Motion’.

Powers and Functions of Parliament:

1) Making of Laws:

The Parliament is the only body that has power to make the laws of India. It can make a law on any issue, which is not in conflict with the constitution. Any bill passed by both the houses is sent to the president for his/her approval.

2) Debating:

A time for debate in each house is reserved for presentation and discussion of government policies and programmes, through the introduction of bills and other business. This can help in proposing solutions to problems faced by Indian society today.

3) Exercising of Legislative Powers:

The Parliament is empowered to make laws for the whole of India. The parliament can also amend a bill passed by Lok Sabha and send the same back to Rajya Sabha for approval. The Rajya Sabha can reject a bill passed by Lok Sabha, but it has no power to alter or amend any law once passed by Lok Sabha.

4) Assessment Reports:

Bills / Proposals for appropriation of money must be introduced in parliament by the Finance Minister. These bills are referred to as the Appropriation Bill. The budget of the previous year and the appropriation bill are presented in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister. 

5) Assent to Bills:

The President has to give his assent to all bills passed by both houses of Parliament. If he withholds his assent, the bill is returned to Parliament. In this case, both houses must reconsider their decision, and if they pass it again, with or without amendments, it is then sent back to the President for his assent.

Conclusion:

In this article we have seen the significance and functions of parliament in India. We have also seen its composition in India. By learning about the composition of parliament and its significance, it is easier to understand how Indian Parliament is structured.