Write the composition of the Indian Parliament as per the provisions of the Constitution.

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Points to Remember:

  • Bicameral Legislature: India has a bicameral parliament.
  • Lok Sabha (House of the People): Lower house, directly elected.
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States): Upper house, indirectly elected.
  • Composition based on representation of states and union territories.
  • Special provisions for nominated members.

Introduction:

The Indian Parliament, a cornerstone of India’s democratic framework, is a bicameral legislature as enshrined in Part V of the Constitution of India. This means it comprises two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The composition of these houses is meticulously defined in the Constitution, reflecting the federal structure of the nation and ensuring representation from various states and union territories. Understanding this composition is crucial to comprehending the functioning and power dynamics within the Indian parliamentary system.

Body:

1. Lok Sabha (House of the People):

  • Composition: The Lok Sabha is the lower house and is composed of a maximum of 552 members. This includes:
    • 530 members representing the states, allocated based on population as per the decennial census.
    • 20 members representing the Union Territories.
    • 2 members nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community (if, in the President’s opinion, this community is not adequately represented). This is a special provision under Article 331.
  • Election: Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people through universal adult suffrage.
  • Tenure: The normal tenure of the Lok Sabha is five years, unless dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States):

  • Composition: The Rajya Sabha is the upper house and comprises a maximum of 250 members. This includes:
    • 238 members representing the states and Union Territories. The number of representatives from each state varies based on its population, but each state is guaranteed at least one representative.
    • 12 members nominated by the President for their expertise in fields like science, art, literature, social service, etc. This ensures representation of specialized knowledge and perspectives.
  • Election: Members representing states are indirectly elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies. The nominated members are appointed by the President.
  • Tenure: Rajya Sabha members have a six-year term, with one-third of the members retiring every two years. This ensures continuity and stability in the upper house.

3. Powers and Functions:

Both houses share legislative powers, but the Lok Sabha holds greater power due to its direct representation of the people. Money bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can delay but not reject money bills. Both houses participate in the process of amending the Constitution, though the Lok Sabha has a more significant role.

Conclusion:

The composition of the Indian Parliament, as detailed in the Constitution, reflects a balance between direct representation (Lok Sabha) and indirect representation based on states and specialized expertise (Rajya Sabha). This bicameral structure ensures checks and balances, prevents hasty legislation, and allows for a more comprehensive and representative decision-making process. While the Lok Sabha holds greater power, the Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation and representing the interests of the states. Maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of both houses is vital for the continued success of India’s parliamentary democracy. Further reforms could focus on enhancing the representation of marginalized communities and ensuring greater participation of women in both houses. This would further strengthen the democratic fabric of the nation and ensure a more inclusive and representative parliament.

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