21 Dec, 2023
The Indian Parliament consists of two houses - the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people, while members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
The Parliament plays a crucial role in India's federal structure, with powers divided between the central government and the state governments. The Parliament has the authority to legislate on subjects listed in the Union List, while the states legislate on matters in the State List.
The Parliament operates in sessions, with three sessions in a year - Budget Session (February to May), Monsoon Session (July to September), and Winter Session (November to December). Each session includes debates, discussions, and the passing of bills.
The President of India is an integral part of the Parliament. The President's approval is required for bills to become law, and the President addresses both houses at the beginning of each session, outlining the government's policies and priorities.
The functioning of the Parliament is supported by various committees that focus on specific areas like finance, external affairs, and home affairs. These committees play a vital role in scrutinizing bills, examining the budget, and ensuring accountability of the executive.
During the Question Hour, Members of Parliament can pose questions to ministers regarding various government policies and issues. The Zero Hour allows members to raise important matters without prior notice, providing a platform for immediate discussion.
Members of Parliament enjoy certain privileges and immunities to ensure the independent functioning of the institution. These include freedom of speech and expression within the Parliament, protection from legal proceedings for statements made during official proceedings, and the right to regulate their internal affairs.