Composition and Functions of Parliament of India

Composition and Functions of Parliament of India

The Indian Parliament, a bicameral legislature, comprises the President, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the Lok Sabha (House of the People), with the primary functions being law-making, financial control, and oversight of the executive. 

Composition of Parliament of India

1. President:

• The President is an integral part of the Parliament, though not a member of either house, and is the head of state. 

2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States):

• Represents the states and union territories. 
• Maximum strength is 250, with 238 members representing states and union territories and 12 nominated by the President. 
• It is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every two years. 

3. Lok Sabha (House of the People):

• Represents the people of India. 
• Its maximum strength is 552. 
• Elected directly by the people. 

Functions of Parliament of India

1. Legislative Functions:

• The Parliament makes laws for the whole of India. 
• All legislative proposals are brought before Parliament in the form of a bill. 
• A bill must be passed by both houses and assented to by the President to become an act of Parliament. 
• Money bills must originate in the Lok Sabha. 

2. Financial Functions:

• The Parliament approves and oversees the revenues and expenditures proposed by the government. 
• The budget of the previous year and the appropriation bill are presented in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister. 

3. Oversight of the Executive:

• The Parliament can question the government on its policies and actions. 
• The Parliament can impeach the President, the Vice-President, the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court. 
• International Relations:
• The Parliament ratifies treaties and approves agreements with other nations. 
• It monitors the government's foreign policy decisions. 

4. Constitutional Amendments:

• Parliament has the power to modify the Constitution of India. 
• Any type of changes in the constitution, both houses of the parliament have the same authorities.