Polity Class 8- The Parliament

The Parliament

The Parliament is the main image of the Indian government system and a vital element of the Constitution. It empowers residents of India to take part in navigation and control the public authority. The Indian Constitution, which went into effect on January 26, 1950, established a bicameral Parliament composed of the President and the two Houses known as the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

Our Parliament

• The Parliament of India (Sansad) is viewed as the greatest power for making laws
• The Parliament of India comprises the President and the two Houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People)

Functions of the Parliament

• To select the National Government:
  • After the Lok Sabha elections, a party-wise list showing the number of MPs is prepared
  • If a political party wants to form a government, it should consist of the majority of elected MPs
  • Since there are 543 chosen individuals in Lok Sabha, to host a greater part, a party ought to have a large portion of the number, i.e., 272 individuals or more
  • It is difficult for a single political party to form the government and hence different political parties cooperate to form a government, which is called a coalition government
  • The Opposition in the Parliament constitutes all the political parties that are in opposition to the majority party/coalition formed
  • One of the most important functions of the Lok Sabha is to select the Executive. An Executive is a group which works in unity to implement the laws passed by the Parliament. This Executive is often termed as government
  • The PM of India is the head of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha
  • The Prime Minister selects Ministers from among the MPs who have a place in their party to work with them to carry out decisions. These pastors are responsible for various aspects of public administration, such as well-being, education, and finance

• To control, guide, and inform the government:

• MPs are permitted to provide information about how the government operates
• The first hour of a sitting session of India’s Lok Sabha is devoted to questions raised by Members of Parliament about any aspect of administrative activity. The Minister in question is required to respond to the Parliament, either orally or in writing, depending on the nature of the question
• Opposition parties have the right to highlight any potential drawbacks found in various policies and programs of the state and government while mobilizing support for their own policies
• The Parliament’s endorsement is vital for the public authority in all matters managing funds
• A bill needs to go through the Rajya Sabha to turn it into law. It, hence, plays a significant part in exploring and adjusting the laws started by the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can likewise start enactment
• Law-making: It is a significant function of the Parliament

Parliament composition as a reflection of Society:

Parliament consists of more people from varying backgrounds as

• There are more members coming from rural backgrounds and from the regional parties
• There has been an increase in political participation from the Dalits and Backward classes. Some positions are reserved for SCs and STs
• Similarly, it is suggested to have a reservation of seats for women. Sixty years ago, only four percent of MPs were women, and today it is just above 14 percent (2019 Lok Sabha)

Conclusion 

The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India. It is a bicameral legislature made up of the President of India and two houses: 

The Rajya Sabha (Council of States), or upper house, is a permanent body that cannot be dissolved. Every other year, one-third of the members retire and are replaced by newly elected members. Each member is elected for a six-year term.

The Lok Sabha (House of the People), or lower house, has 543 members who are directly elected by citizens of India using the universal adult franchise to represent Parliamentary constituencies across the country. 

The primary function of both Houses is to pass legislation. Before a Bill can become law, it must be passed by both Houses and signed by the President. The subjects over which Parliament can legislate are those listed in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule to the Indian Constitution. Parliament now includes more people from diverse backgrounds, with more members coming from rural areas and regional parties. Dalits and other backward classes have increased their political participation. Some positions are reserved for SCs and STs and women.