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India's Parliament is a vital pillar of its democracy, comprising two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
While both houses play crucial roles in the legislative process, their functions, powers, and structures are distinct. Understanding these differences is essential for grasping how Indian democracy operates.
This article decodes the functions of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, highlighting their unique roles and how they work together to shape India's laws and policies.
Structure and Composition of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Lok Sabha: The House of the People
The Lok Sabha, often referred to as the lower house, represents the people of India. Its members are directly elected by the citizens of the country through general elections held every five years. The maximum strength of the House envisaged by the Constitution is 552 members. However, presently the Lok Sabha comprises of a total of 545 seats.
Out of these, elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India to fill 543 seats. The remaining two seats are filled by nomination of representatives of the Anglo-Indian Community if the President feels that this community has not been represented adequately. Out of the elective seats, 79 are reserved for Scheduled Caste and 41 for Scheduled Tribe.
The Rajya Sabha, known as the upper house, represents the states and Union Territories of India. Unlike the Lok Sabha, its members are not directly elected by the people. Instead, they are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and by the members of the Electoral College for Union Territories. The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members, with 238 elected members and 12 members nominated by the President of India for their expertise in specific fields such as literature, science, art, and social services.
The Lok Sabha plays a pivotal role in the legislative process. A bill can be introduced in either house of Parliament, but it is in the Lok Sabha where most bills are initiated, particularly money bills. Once a bill is passed by the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha for consideration.
Rajya Sabha: The Council of States
The Rajya Sabha, known as the upper house, represents the states and Union Territories of India. Unlike the Lok Sabha, its members are not directly elected by the people. Instead, they are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and by the members of the Electoral College for Union Territories. The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members, with 238 elected members and 12 members nominated by the President of India for their expertise in specific fields such as literature, science, art, and social services.
Key Functions of Lok Sabha
Law-Making Powers
The Lok Sabha plays a pivotal role in the legislative process. A bill can be introduced in either house of Parliament, but it is in the Lok Sabha where most bills are initiated, particularly money bills. Once a bill is passed by the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha for consideration.
However, in the case of money bills, the Rajya Sabha has limited powers; it cannot reject a money bill and must return it to the Lok Sabha with recommendations within 14 days.
One of the most significant functions of the Lok Sabha is to exercise control over the executive branch of the government. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are directly accountable to the Lok Sabha. The house can express its lack of confidence in the government by passing a motion of no confidence, which, if successful, compels the government to resign.
The Lok Sabha holds significant financial powers, especially concerning the annual budget. The government cannot spend any money without the approval of the Lok Sabha. All money bills, including the budget, must originate in the Lok Sabha. The house debates and discusses the budget, and its approval is crucial for the government to function.
The primary role of the Rajya Sabha is to represent the states and Union Territories of India in the legislative process. This ensures that the interests of the states are considered in the national legislation. The Rajya Sabha acts as a balancing force between the central government and the states, providing a platform for states to voice their concerns and suggestions.
The Rajya Sabha serves as a revising chamber, providing a second opinion on bills passed by the Lok Sabha. It can suggest amendments and improvements to legislation, contributing to more thorough and considered law-making. The presence of nominated members with expertise in various fields enhances the quality of debate and legislative scrutiny in the Rajya Sabha.
Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. One-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring continuity in the legislative process. This continuity allows the Rajya Sabha to act as a stabilizing force in Indian politics, especially during times of political uncertainty.
No, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject a money bill. It can only suggest amendments, and the Lok Sabha can choose to accept or reject these suggestions. If the Rajya Sabha does not return the bill within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both houses.
In most legislative matters, the Rajya Sabha has similar powers to the Lok Sabha. However, in financial matters, the Lok Sabha holds more authority. Additionally, in cases of a deadlock between the two houses, a joint sitting is convened, where the Lok Sabha's larger membership gives it an advantage.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha play complementary roles in India's legislative process, each with its unique functions and powers. While the Lok Sabha represents the voice of the people and exercises control over the government, the Rajya Sabha represents the states and provides a platform for expert opinion and legislative review. Together, these two houses ensure a balanced, democratic, and thorough process of law-making in India.
If you liked the information then share this article to spread awareness about the vital functions of MPs and encourage discussions about their impact on our lives.
Control over the Executive
One of the most significant functions of the Lok Sabha is to exercise control over the executive branch of the government. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are directly accountable to the Lok Sabha. The house can express its lack of confidence in the government by passing a motion of no confidence, which, if successful, compels the government to resign.
Financial Authority
The Lok Sabha holds significant financial powers, especially concerning the annual budget. The government cannot spend any money without the approval of the Lok Sabha. All money bills, including the budget, must originate in the Lok Sabha. The house debates and discusses the budget, and its approval is crucial for the government to function.
Key Functions of Rajya Sabha
Representation of States
The primary role of the Rajya Sabha is to represent the states and Union Territories of India in the legislative process. This ensures that the interests of the states are considered in the national legislation. The Rajya Sabha acts as a balancing force between the central government and the states, providing a platform for states to voice their concerns and suggestions.
Legislative Review and Expertise
The Rajya Sabha serves as a revising chamber, providing a second opinion on bills passed by the Lok Sabha. It can suggest amendments and improvements to legislation, contributing to more thorough and considered law-making. The presence of nominated members with expertise in various fields enhances the quality of debate and legislative scrutiny in the Rajya Sabha.
Continuity and Stability
Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. One-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring continuity in the legislative process. This continuity allows the Rajya Sabha to act as a stabilizing force in Indian politics, especially during times of political uncertainty.
Common Questions and Answers
Can the Rajya Sabha Reject a Money Bill?
No, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject a money bill. It can only suggest amendments, and the Lok Sabha can choose to accept or reject these suggestions. If the Rajya Sabha does not return the bill within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both houses.
Does the Rajya Sabha Have Equal Powers as the Lok Sabha?
In most legislative matters, the Rajya Sabha has similar powers to the Lok Sabha. However, in financial matters, the Lok Sabha holds more authority. Additionally, in cases of a deadlock between the two houses, a joint sitting is convened, where the Lok Sabha's larger membership gives it an advantage.
Conclusion
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha play complementary roles in India's legislative process, each with its unique functions and powers. While the Lok Sabha represents the voice of the people and exercises control over the government, the Rajya Sabha represents the states and provides a platform for expert opinion and legislative review. Together, these two houses ensure a balanced, democratic, and thorough process of law-making in India.
If you liked the information then share this article to spread awareness about the vital functions of MPs and encourage discussions about their impact on our lives.