The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country. It consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). In this article, we will explore the role, composition, and powers of the Parliament of India.
Role of the Parliament:
The Parliament of India plays a crucial role in the governance of the country. It is responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and ensuring accountability of the executive branch. The Parliament also plays an important role in ensuring the representation of the people and protecting their interests.
Composition of the Parliament:
The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament and has a maximum strength of 552 members, of which 530 are elected from states and 20 from union territories. Two members are nominated by the President of India to represent the Anglo-Indian community. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected for a term of five years.
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament and has a maximum strength of 250 members, of which 238 members are elected from states and union territories, and 12 members are nominated by the President of India. Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years.
Powers of the Parliament:
The Parliament of India has several important powers, including:
- Legislative Powers: The Parliament has the power to make laws on matters listed in the Union List, Concurrent List, and matters of national importance.
- Financial Powers: The Parliament has the power to approve the budget and make financial laws.
- Oversight Powers: The Parliament has the power to oversee the functioning of the executive branch and hold it accountable.
- Amendment Powers: The Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution.
Conclusion:
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country and plays a crucial role in the governance of the nation. Its composition, with members elected from each state and union territory, ensures that the interests of all regions of the country are represented. The Parliament’s powers include legislative powers, financial powers, oversight powers, and amendment powers, making it a crucial institution in the functioning of Indian democracy.