What is the Parliament? The Parliament is the legislative organ of the Union government. Articles 79 to 122 deal with the organization, composition, duration, officers, procedures, privileges, and powers of the Parliament. The Parliament of India consists of three parts: the President, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
Composition of Parliament
Though the President is not a member of either House, he is an integral part of Parliament because a bill does not become a law without his assent.
Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha
| Feature | Rajya Sabha (Upper House) | Lok Sabha (Lower House) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Permanent House (not subject to dissolution). | Not permanent (dissolved every 5 years). |
| Max Strength | 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated). | 552 (530 States + 20 UTs + 2 Anglo-Indian*). |
| Members Term | 6 years (1/3rd retire every 2 years). | 5 years. |
| Election | Indirectly elected by MLAs (Proportional Representation). | Directly elected by people (First Past The Post). |
| Min. Age | 30 years. | 25 years. |
| Special Powers | Authorize Parliament to make law on State List (Art 249); Create All-India Services (Art 312). | Money Bills (exclusive); Vote of No Confidence. |
*Note: 104th Amendment Act discontinued Anglo-Indian nomination.
Sessions of Parliament
The President summons each House. There are usually three sessions in a year:
- Budget Session: February to May (Longest).
- Monsoon Session: July to September.
- Winter Session: November to December (Shortest).
Maximum Gap: The gap between two sessions cannot be more than 6 months.
Parliamentary Devices
- Question Hour: First hour of every sitting. Members ask questions (Starred, Unstarred, Short Notice).
- Zero Hour: Immediately follows Question Hour. Indian innovation (since 1962). Members raise matters of public importance without prior notice.
- Adjournment Motion: To draw attention to a matter of urgent public importance (needs 50 members support, LS only).
Legislative Procedure
- Ordinary Bill: Can initiate in either house. Simple majority. Joint sitting possible (Art 108).
- Money Bill (Art 110): Only in Lok Sabha (prior recommendation of President). Rajya Sabha can only delay by 14 days. No joint sitting.
- Constitution Amendment Bill (Art 368): Special majority. No joint sitting.
Quick Facts for UPSC
- Joint Sitting (Art 108): Summoned by President, presided by Speaker of Lok Sabha.
- Speaker: Head of Lok Sabha. Has casting vote. Decides if a bill is a Money Bill.
- Leader of Opposition: Statutory status. Salary equivalent to Cabinet Minister.
UPSC Previous Year Questions (Selected)
Q1. A Money Bill can be introduced in the Parliament only with the prior recommendation of: (Prelims)
A. Prime Minister
B. Speaker
C. President
D. Finance Minister
Answer: C. President.
Q2. Who presides over the Joint Sitting of the Parliament? (Prelims)
A. President
B. Vice President
C. Speaker of Lok Sabha
D. Prime Minister
Answer: C. Speaker of Lok Sabha (in his absence, Deputy Speaker).
Practice MCQs
- Rajya Sabha can detain a Money Bill for a maximum period of:
A. 14 days
B. 1 month
C. 3 months
D. 6 months - Who decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not?
A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Speaker of Lok Sabha
D. Chairman of Rajya Sabha - The quorum to constitute a meeting of either House of Parliament is:
A. 1/5th of total members
B. 1/10th of total members
C. 1/3rd of total members
D. 50 members - Which of the following is NOT a session of the Lok Sabha?
A. Budget Session
B. Monsoon Session
C. Summer Session
D. Winter Session - Zero Hour starts at:
A. 11 AM
B. 12 Noon
C. 1 PM
D. Immediately after Question Hour
View Answer Key
1. A | 2. C | 3. B | 4. C | 5. D
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Prorogation and Dissolution?
Prorogation ends a session (done by President). Dissolution ends the life of the Lok Sabha (done by President).
Who is the Chairman of Rajya Sabha?
The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Can a nominated member become a Minister?
Yes, a nominated member of Parliament can be appointed as a Minister.
What is a Lame-duck session?
It refers to the last session of the existing Lok Sabha after a new Lok Sabha has been elected.