Understanding the Indian Parliament: How Does it Function?

The Parliament of India is the cornerstone of the country’s democratic system. As the supreme legislative body, it plays a pivotal role in the formulation of laws, discussing national issues, and ensuring the functioning of the executive in accordance with the Constitution. With a rich history, the Indian Parliament operates within a framework that combines checks and balances, representative democracy, and accountability. In this blog, we will break down the structure, functions, and working of the Indian Parliament to provide a comprehensive understanding of how it functions.

Structure of the Indian Parliament

The Indian Parliament is a bicameral legislature, which means it has two houses:

1. The Lok Sabha (House of the People): This is the lower house of Parliament, and its members are directly elected by the people through general elections held every five years. The Lok Sabha is the more powerful of the two houses when it comes to passing legislation related to money, as it holds the exclusive power to introduce money bills. The Lok Sabha consists of 545 members, with 543 members elected from constituencies across the country and 2 members nominated by the President of India from the Anglo-Indian community (this provision was abolished in 2020 by the 104th Constitutional Amendment).
2. The Rajya Sabha (Council of States): The Rajya Sabha is the upper house, and its members are not directly elected by the people but are chosen by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies or by members of the Lok Sabha, through an electoral college, using a system of proportional representation. It is a body meant to represent the states and union territories of India and serves as a revising chamber. The Rajya Sabha has 245 members, with 233 elected from the states and union territories and 12 nominated by the President for their contributions in fields such as literature, art, science, and social service.

The President of India is the formal head of Parliament, and though they play an important ceremonial role, the President does not participate in the day-to-day functions of Parliament.

Functions of the Indian Parliament

The Indian Parliament has several key functions that ensure its role in the governance of the nation is fulfilled. These functions include:

1. Legislative Function: The primary function of Parliament is to make laws. All proposed laws, known as bills, are introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha and must be passed by both houses before becoming law. Most bills are introduced in the Lok Sabha and are discussed in detail in both houses before they are debated and voted upon. The Rajya Sabha reviews, suggests amendments, and has the right to delay the passage of certain bills. However, the final decision lies with the Lok Sabha in many cases.
   • Money Bills: These are bills related to government expenditure and taxation, and they can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments, but the Lok Sabha has the final say.
   • Non-Money Bills: These include bills related to social issues, criminal law, national security, and others. Both houses have equal power in passing non-money bills.
2. Scrutinizing and Monitoring the Executive: Parliament is a key institution for holding the executive (the government) accountable for its actions. Parliament questions the government through mechanisms such as Question Hour, debates, and discussions. Members of Parliament (MPs) can question the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and other officials on their policies, decisions, and actions. This process is crucial for transparency and ensures that the executive is answerable to the people’s representatives.
3. Control over Finance: One of the most important functions of Parliament is to control government finances. The government must present its budget to Parliament, which is scrutinized in detail by both houses. The Lok Sabha is primarily responsible for passing the budget and approving government spending. Parliament’s approval is mandatory for the government to levy taxes and incur expenditure. The Public Accounts Committee, a parliamentary committee, ensures that public funds are spent efficiently and effectively.
4. Representing the People: Parliament represents the will and aspirations of the people of India. The MPs in the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the public, ensuring that their voices are heard in the highest legislative body. The Rajya Sabha represents the interests of states and union territories, giving them a platform to express their concerns at the national level. Parliament is the ultimate forum where national issues, concerns, and aspirations are debated and resolved.

Amendment of the Constitution: The Indian Constitution can be amended by Parliament, but this requires a special process. Constitutional amendments require a majority in both houses, and in some cases, the approval of state legislatures. Parliament has played a significant role in adapting the Constitution to the changing needs of the country.

The Legislative Process in Parliament

Understanding how laws are made in India involves understanding the legislative process. Here’s how it works:

1. Introduction of a Bill: A bill can be introduced by any member of Parliament, either from the government or the opposition. Government bills are usually introduced by the concerned minister, while private members’ bills can be introduced by any MP.
2. First Reading: The bill is introduced in the house, and its general principles are discussed. There is no debate at this stage, but the bill is made available to MPs for study.
3. Second Reading: The bill is debated in detail, with MPs discussing its provisions, merits, and potential impact. Amendments can be proposed at this stage.
4. Committee Stage: The bill is sent to a committee of MPs for detailed examination. The committee reviews each clause of the bill and suggests changes or amendments.
5. Third Reading: The bill is debated again in its final form, and MPs vote on it. If passed, it is sent to the other house for consideration.
6. Consideration by the Other House: The other house follows a similar process of readings and committee discussions. If both houses agree on the bill, it is sent to the President for approval.

Presidential Assent: The President of India can either give assent to the bill or withhold it. Once assent is given, the bill becomes law.

The Role of Committees

Committees in Parliament play a vital role in scrutinizing bills, government policies, and other important matters in detail. Committees are usually composed of MPs from various political parties and provide an in-depth examination of issues before they are debated in the full house. Some key committees include:

• Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Monitors government spending and ensures that public funds are used efficiently.
• Standing Committee: Examines bills and policies in detail before they are introduced in the house.

Select Committee: A temporary committee formed to address specific issues.

Conclusion

The Indian Parliament is a complex yet highly efficient system designed to ensure that the government remains accountable, transparent, and democratic. Its bicameral structure, functions, and legislative processes work in tandem to create laws that reflect the needs of the people while safeguarding the interests of the country as a whole. Understanding how Parliament functions is essential for every citizen, as it is a crucial institution that shapes the nation’s future through its legislative and oversight functions. By engaging with this process, citizens contribute to the growth and strengthening of India’s democracy.