Parliament and its significance.

INTRODUCTION
The Parliament of India, Is the supreme legislative body of
the Republic of India. It plays a crucial role in the functioning
of the world's largest democracy. Established under the
provisions of the Indian Constitution, it is a bicameral
legislature, meaning it consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha
and the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha, or the House of the People, is the lower house
of Parliament, representing the people of India. The number
of seats in the Lok Sabha is determined by the population of
each state and union territory (545). The Lok Sabha is
responsible for making and passing laws, and its members
engage in debates on various issues.
The Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, is the upper house
of [Link] (245) of the Rajya Sabha are not
directly elected by the people but are chosen by the elected
representatives of the states and union territories. This house
provides a forum for experts and experienced individuals to
contribute to lawmaking and review legislation proposed by
the Lok Sabha.
It is a vital institution that plays an important role in the
functioning of the country's democratic system.
The President of India is the ceremonial head of state and
plays a crucial role in the functioning of Parliament. The
President's approval is required for bills to become law, and
they also address joint sessions of Parliament.
1. The Indian Parliament meets in the San-sad Bhavan
(Parliament House) in New Delhi and convenes for three
sessions in a year: the Budget Session, Monsoon
Session, and Winter Session. Budget Session: This session
 begins in February and lasts until May. It primarily focuses
on presenting and passing the annual budget and includes a
general discussion on it.
2. Monsoon Session: Held from July to September, this session
covers various legislative business, discussions on important
national issues, and the examination of bills.
3. Winter Session: Usually conducted from November to
December, this session concludes the parliamentary
calendar for the year. It deals with pending legislative work
and urgent matters.
4. Special Sessions: In addition to the regular sessions, special
sessions can be convened by the President or at the request
of the government to address specific issues or
emergencies.
5. Joint Session: When the two houses disagree on a bill, the
President can call a Joint Session. Members from both houses
convene together, and a vote is taken. The bill is passed if it
receives a majority of votes from the total number of
members present and voting.

The Parliament of India was formed under the provisions of

the Constitution of India, which came into effect on January
26, 1950. The relevant articles in the Indian Constitution that
deal with the establishment and functioning of the Parliament
are primarily Articles 79 to 122. These articles outline the
structure, powers, and functions of the Parliament, which
consists of two houses: the Raja Sabha (Council of States)
and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

1. Article 79: This article defines the composition of

Parliament. It states that Parliament consists of the
President, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the
Lok Sabha (House of the People).
2. Article 80: This article specifies the composition of the
Raiva Sabha (Council of States), which represents the
states and union territories of India. It details the
number of members and their appointment.

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 3. Article 81: This article outlines the composition of the
Lok Sabha (House of the People), which represents the
people of India. It describes the allocation of seats to
states and union territories and the delimitation of
constituencies.
4. Article 82: Article 82 deals with the representation of
the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha. It
empowers the President to nominate up to two
members from the Anglo-Indian community if they are
not adequately represented.
5. Article 83: This article specifies the duration of the Lok
Sabha and provides the President the authority to
dissolve it. It also outlines the maximum period
between two sessions of Parliament.
6. Article 84: Article 84 deals with qualifications for
membership of Parliament. It lists the qualifications
and disqualifications for individuals seeking election to
either the Rajva Sabha or the Lok Sabha.
7. Article 85: This article addresses the summoning of
sessions of Parliament by the President. It empowers
the President to prorogue (suspend) and dissolve the
Lok Sabha.

8. Article 86: Article 86 pertains to the right of the

President to address and send messages to
Parliament.
9. Article 88: Article 88 allows for the rights of the
ministers to speak and participate in the proceedings
of either House of Parliament.
10. Article 89: This article deals with the power of the
President to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on
certain matters.
11. Article 90: Article 90 specifies the powers of the
President with regard to the promulgation of
ordinances during the recess of Parliament.

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 12. Article 91: This article outlines the powers and
privileges of Parliament and its members.
13. Article 92: Article 92 discusses the disqualifications
for membership of Parliament on the grounds of
defection.
14. Article 93: Article 93 provides for the Speaker and
Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, while Article 94
deals with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the
Rajya Sabha.
Important Facts About Parliament
1. Members of Parliament (MPs):
Lok Sabha has 545 members, including 543 elected members and
2 nominated members from the Anglo-Indian community. The
Rajya Sabha has a maximum of 250 members, with members
representing the states and union territories.
2. Term Length: The Lok Sabha has a term of five years, while
Rajya Sabha members have a term of six years, with one-
third of the members retiring every two years.
3. Elections: Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by
the people of India through general elections. Members of
the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of
State Legislative Assemblies and by the members of the
Electoral college for Union Territories.
4. Presiding Officers: The Lok Sabha is presided over by the
Speaker, while the Rajya Sabha is presided over by the Vice
President of India, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the
Rajva Sabha.
5. Legislative Functions: Parliament is responsible for making
laws, amending the Constitution.
6. Presiding Officers: The Lok Sabha is presided over by the
Speaker, while the Raiva Sabha is presided over by the Vice
President of India, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the
Rajva Sabha.
7. Legislative Functions: Parliament is responsible for making
laws, amending the Constitution, and reviewing and
debating important national issues. Bills can be introduced in

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 either house and must be passed by both houses to become
law.
8. Financial Control: Parliament has the power to approve
government budgets, and no money can be withdrawn from
the Consolidated Fund of India without Parliament's
authorisation.
9. Emergency Powers: During a state of emergency, the normal
functioning of Parliament can be modified, and the President
can exercise certain legislative powers.
10. Parliamentary Committees:
Various parliamentary committees are established to examine
and report on specific issues. Examples include the Public
Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, and more.

Various Parliamentary committees

1. Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Examines government
expenditures and financial matters.
1. Estimates Committee: Evaluates budgetary estimates and
government spending.
2. Committee on Public
Undertakings (CPU): Scrutinises the performance of public
sector enterprises.
3. Committee on Finance: Reviews financial policies, taxation,
and economic issues.
4. Committee on Home Affairs: Deals with matters related to
internal security and home affairs.
5. Committee on External Affairs:
Examines India's foreign policy and international relations.
6. Committee on Science and Technology: Focuses on scientific
research, technology, and innovation.
7. Committee on WomenEmpowerment:: Addresses gender
equality and women's issues.
8. Committee on Petitions: Considers public petitions and
grievances.
9. Committee on Health and Family Welfare: Addresses
healthcare policies and family welfare
narrows

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FOR AND AGAINST THE PARLIAMENT
For the Parliament:
1. Democratic Representation:
Parliament provides a platform for elected representatives to voice the
concerns and aspirations of the people, ensuring democratic representation.
2. Legislation: It is responsible for making laws that govern the nation,
addressing various issues, and adapting to changing societal needs.
3. Accountability: Parliament holds the government accountable for its
actions through debates, questions, and discussions, promoting
transparency.
4. Checks and Balances: It acts as a check on the executive branch's
power, preventing authoritarianism and misuse of authority.
5. Policy Formulation: Parliament is a forum for discussing and
formulating policies that impact the country's economic, social, and
foreign affairs.
6. Against the Parliament
1. Inefficiency: Lengthy debates, disruptions, and frequent
adornments can impede legislative progress and effective
governance.
2. Corruption: Some members of Parliament may engage in
corrupt practices, which tarnishes the institution's
reputation.
3. Lack of Diversity: The representation in Parliament may not
always reflect the diversity of the population, leading to
underrepresentation of certain groups.

Need for Reforms in The Parliament

 Holding lawmakers accountable for their actions and
decisions, reducing corruption, and improving ethical
conduct.
 Increasing openness in parliamentary proceedings,
including public access to debates and decisions.
 Ensuring greater gender balance in parliament through
affirmative action and measures to address gender
bias.
 Updating parliamentary rules and structures to address
evolving societal challenges, such as climate change
and cybersecurity.