The Indian Parliament, also known as the Sansad, is the supreme legislative body of India. It consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Parliament is located in the national capital, New Delhi, and is an essential institution of the Indian democratic system. In this article, we will explore the history, composition, functions, and significance of the Indian Parliament.
History:
The Indian Parliament traces its roots back to the British colonial era. The Government of India Act of 1858 created a legislative council in India to assist the Viceroy in making laws and regulations. The Indian Councils Act of 1861 further expanded the legislative council and allowed for a limited degree of representation of Indians. Over the years, several Acts of the British Parliament increased the powers and functions of the legislative council, culminating in the Government of India Act of 1919, which introduced direct elections for the first time.
After India gained independence in 1947, the Constituent Assembly, which was responsible for drafting the Constitution of India, also functioned as the provisional Parliament. The first elections to the independent Indian Parliament were held in 1952, and since then, it has been a central institution of Indian democracy.
Composition:
The Indian Parliament consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha has 545 members, of which 543 are elected directly by the people of India, and two are nominated by the President of India from the Anglo-Indian community. The Rajya Sabha has 245 members, of which 233 are elected by the members of state legislative assemblies and 12 are nominated by the President of India.
The members of Parliament (MPs) are elected for a term of five years, and the Parliament is convened by the President of India. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer of the house, while the Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Functions:
The Indian Parliament has several important functions. It is responsible for making laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the work of the government. The Lok Sabha has more powers than the Rajya Sabha, as it has the power to initiate money bills, and no bill can become a law without its approval. The Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, has the power to review and suggest changes to bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
The Parliament also plays an important role in the appointment of key officials of the government, including the President of India, the Vice President of India, and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Significance:
The Indian Parliament is an essential institution of Indian democracy. It represents the diverse voices of the people of India and provides a platform for the discussion and resolution of national issues. The Parliament has played a crucial role in shaping India’s political, economic, and social landscape over the years. It has passed several landmark laws, including the Constitution of India, the Right to Information Act, the Goods and Services Tax Act, and the Citizenship Amendment Act, among others.
Conclusion:
The Indian Parliament is a symbol of India’s democratic spirit and its commitment to upholding the rule of law. It is an institution that reflects the diversity and richness of Indian society, and its functioning is essential to the smooth functioning of India’s democratic system. The Parliament continues to play a critical role in shaping the country’s future, and its relevance and significance are only set to grow in the years to come.
