Self-Instruct
India is a democratic country, which means that the power of the government is in the hands of the people. This power is divided among the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws and regulations in the country. In India, we have two houses of parliament, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. These two houses have distinct roles and responsibilities that play a significant role in shaping the legislation of the country.
The Lok Sabha:
The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament, also known as the House of the People. It consists of 545 members, of which 543 members are elected directly by the people of India through Universal Adult Franchise, and two members are nominated by the President of India from the Anglo-Indian community. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected for a period of five years.
The primary function of the Lok Sabha is to pass laws on various topics that affect the common people of India. The Lok Sabha members are responsible for representing the interests of the people from their respective constituencies. Hence, the Lok Sabha is known as the more powerful house of the Indian Parliament because it is directly elected by the people of India.
The Lok Sabha can also pass a vote of no-confidence against the government, which can lead to a change in government. It can also initiate the impeachment process for the President and other high officials of the country.
The Lok Sabha also has a Speaker, who is elected from among the members of the house. The Speaker is responsible for maintaining the decorum of the house and conducting the proceedings of the house. The Speaker is the custodian of the rights and privileges of the house and its members.
The Rajya Sabha:
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian Parliament, also known as the Council of States. It consists of 250 members, of which 238 members are representing the States and Union Territories of India, and 12 members are nominated by the President of India. Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a period of six years.
The primary function of the Rajya Sabha is to review and amend the legislation passed by the Lok Sabha. It provides a platform for the states and union territories to participate in the law-making process. Members of the Rajya Sabha are not directly elected by the people of India, but they are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly of the respective states and union territories.
The Rajya Sabha has limited powers compared to the Lok Sabha. It cannot pass a vote of no-confidence against the government, and it cannot initiate the impeachment process. However, it has the power to hold joint sittings with the Lok Sabha in case of a deadlock on a particular bill.
The Rajya Sabha also has a Chairman, who is elected from among its members. The Chairman is responsible for conducting the proceedings of the house and maintaining the decorum of the house. The Vice President of India acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Differences between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
1) Mode of Election:
The Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the people of India through Universal Adult Franchise, while the Rajya Sabha members are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly of the respective states and union territories.
2) Term of Office:
The members of the Lok Sabha are elected for a period of five years, while the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a period of six years.
3) Number of Members:
The Lok Sabha has 545 members, while the Rajya Sabha has 250 members.
4) Representation of States:
The Lok Sabha represents the people of India, while the Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories of India.
5) Powers and Functions:
The Lok Sabha is the more powerful house of the Indian Parliament because it has the power to pass laws and regulations that affect the common people of India. The Rajya Sabha's primary function is to review and amend the legislation passed by the Lok Sabha.
6) Initiating Bills:
The Lok Sabha can initiate bills concerning finance and money, while the Rajya Sabha cannot introduce any bill regarding finance and money, unless the President's permission is granted.
7) Vote of No Confidence:
The Lok Sabha can pass a vote of no-confidence against the government, while the Rajya Sabha cannot do so.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are two important houses of the Indian Parliament that work together to shape the legislation of the country. Both houses have distinct roles and responsibilities that are essential in the governance of India. While the Lok Sabha is the more powerful house because it is directly elected by the people of India, the Rajya Sabha is significant as it provides a platform for the states and union territories to participate in the law-making process. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha complement each other and work towards the growth and development of the country.