Institutional Functioning: Parliament

Political Science

Introduction

The Parliament of India serves as the supreme legislative body of the country and plays a vital role in shaping the nation's policies and governance. It is a representative institution where elected representatives from various constituencies come together to discuss and enact laws.

Role of Parliament

The Parliament of India serves three primary functions:

Legislative Function

One of the essential roles of Parliament is to formulate and enact laws. Members of Parliament (MPs) propose bills, which are draft laws, to address various societal issues. These bills undergo a detailed legislative process before becoming law. The legislative function ensures that laws are enacted in a democratic and participatory manner.

Executive Oversight

Parliament exercises control over the executive branch of the government. Members of Parliament scrutinize the policies and actions of the government and hold them accountable for their decisions. They can question ministers, demand explanations, and seek clarifications on matters of public interest.

Representation

Parliament represents the diverse interests and aspirations of the Indian population. Members of Parliament act as representatives of their respective constituencies and bring forward the concerns and needs of the people they represent. Through debates and discussions, Parliament reflects the diverse opinions and perspectives of the nation.

Composition of Parliament

The Indian Parliament consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha, as the House of the People, is the lower house of Parliament. It consists of elected representatives from different constituencies across the country. The Lok Sabha has a maximum strength of 552 members, of which 530 are elected directly by the people, and the rest are nominated.

Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of Parliament. It represents the states and union territories of India. The Rajya Sabha has a total of 245 members, of which 233 are elected by the members of state legislative assemblies, and the remaining 12 are nominated by the President of India.

Parliamentary Sessions

The Indian Parliament conducts several sessions throughout the year, each serving a specific purpose.

Monsoon Session:

The Monsoon Session is held during the months of July and August. It is primarily dedicated to discussing and passing important bills.

Winter Session:

The Winter Session takes place in November and December. It focuses on deliberating key issues, reviewing government policies, and holding debates.

Budget Session:

The Budget Session, conducted from February to May, is crucial as it involves the presentation and discussion of the annual budget. It also provides an opportunity for Parliament to scrutinize the government's financial plans.

Law-Making Process

The process of law-making in the Indian Parliament involves several stages.

Introduction of Bills

In the process of law-making bills are introduced by ministers or private members. After the introduction, they go through a rigorous scrutiny process, including deliberations, debates, and committee reviews.

Committee Stage

Parliamentary committees play a crucial role in examining and studying bills in detail. They analyse the provisions, consult experts, and gather public opinions before making recommendations.

Debates and Voting

Bills are thoroughly debated on the floor of both houses. MPs express their viewpoints, raise concerns, and propose amendments. After the discussions, a voting process takes place to decide the fate of the bill.

Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees are instrumental in the functioning of the Indian Parliament. They assist in detailed examination and analysis of various issues.

Standing Committees:

Standing committees are permanent committees that are responsible for specific areas such as finance, defence, and education. They review bills, scrutinize budgets, and conduct inquiries.

Select Committees:

Select committees are formed for a specific purpose and have a limited tenure. They focus on particular bills or matters that require detailed examination. Select committees play a crucial role in providing expert opinions and recommendations.

Parliamentary Privileges

Parliament enjoys certain privileges and immunities to ensure its independent functioning.

Freedom of Speech

Members of Parliament have the freedom to express their opinions and views without fear of legal repercussions. This privilege allows for open and robust debates on various issues.

Immunity from Legal Proceedings

Parliamentarians are granted immunity from civil and criminal proceedings for their speech and actions during parliamentary debates and committee proceedings. This immunity ensures that MPs can express their opinions without the fear of being legally persecuted.

Role of Speaker:

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds a significant position in the functioning of Parliament.

Presiding Officer:

The Speaker acts as the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha. They maintain decorum, decide on points of order, and ensure smooth proceedings during sessions.

Maintaining Order

The Speaker plays a vital role in maintaining order and discipline within the House. They have the authority to take disciplinary actions against members who violate parliamentary rules.

Decision-Making

The Speaker makes critical decisions on procedural matters, including allowing discussions, selecting amendments, and interpreting rules. They play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of parliamentary debates.

Conclusion :

The Indian Parliament serves as the cornerstone of the country's democratic system. It plays a crucial role in law-making, executive oversight, and representation. Through its institutional functioning, Parliament ensures that the voices of the people are heard and their aspirations are reflected in the policies of the nation.