मराठी व्याकरणात "लिंग"

 

Lok Sabha - Complete Information (For UPSC)

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Introduction:

• The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament and is known as the "House of the People."
• Its formation was inspired by the parliamentary systems of Britain and Canada.
• It is the cornerstone of India’s democratic system, acting as a platform for the voice of the people through their elected representatives.

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Composition of the Lok Sabha:

1. Maximum Membership:

   • States: 530
   • Union Territories: 20
   • Total: 552
   • If the Anglo-Indian community is unrepresented, the President could nominate two members (this provision was abolished in 2020).

2. Current Membership:

   • States: 530
   • Union Territories: 13
   • Total: 543

3. Representation per Constituency:

   • On average, one representative is elected for every 5 to 7.5 lakh voters.

4. Delimitation Commission:

   • Established in 1972.
   • Chaired by a judge of the Supreme Court.
   • Responsible for determining the boundaries of constituencies and their proportional representation.

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Lok Sabha Elections:

1. Election Process:

   • Elections are conducted through the system of direct adult franchise.
   • The process is overseen by the Election Commission of India.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Candidates (Article 84):

   • Must be an Indian citizen.
   • Minimum age: 25 years.
   • Must meet the conditions laid down by the Election Commission.

3. Special Note:

   • Candidates contesting from reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes or Tribes must belong to the respective community.

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Term of the Lok Sabha:

1. Normal Tenure:

   • The tenure is five years.
   • However, the President has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha before its term ends.

2. During Emergencies:

   • Under Article 83/2, the Parliament can extend the Lok Sabha’s tenure by one year through legislation.
   • Elections must be conducted within six months after the end of the emergency.

3. Tenure of Members:

   • Each member serves a five-year term.
   • Members may resign before completing their term.

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Sessions and Meetings:

1. As per Article 85 of the Constitution:

   • The President summons the Lok Sabha at intervals not exceeding six months.
   • The President also has the authority to prorogue sessions.

2. Quorum:

   • A minimum of 1/10th of the total membership is required to conduct Lok Sabha proceedings.

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Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Their Powers:

1. Election of the Speaker:

   • The Speaker is elected from among the members of the Lok Sabha.
   • A Deputy Speaker is also elected by the Lok Sabha.

2. Powers and Duties of the Speaker:

   • Maintaining order and decorum in the House.
   • Deciding whether a bill is a Money Bill.
   • Overseeing the question-and-answer session.
   • Appointing the chairpersons of committees.
   • Presiding over joint sittings of both Houses convened by the President.

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Key Functions of the Lok Sabha:

1. Legislative Functions:

• Lawmaking:
  • All bills passed by Parliament require the significant role of the Lok Sabha.
  • Money Bills:
    • Money Bills must originate in the Lok Sabha and can only be delayed by the Rajya Sabha for a maximum of 14 days.

2. Control Over the Executive:

• The Council of Ministers is accountable to the Lok Sabha.
• A no-confidence motion against the government requires the resignation of the Council of Ministers.

3. Financial Powers:

• Passing and discussing the budget.
• No new tax can be imposed without the approval of the Lok Sabha.

4. Electoral Role:

• Participation in the election of the President and Vice-President.
• The Lok Sabha elects its own Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

5. Amending the Constitution:

• The Lok Sabha plays a significant role in constitutional amendments.
• Certain amendments require ratification by state legislatures.

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Significance of the Lok Sabha:

1. The Backbone of Democracy:

   • The Lok Sabha represents the voice of the people in Indian governance.

2. Government Accountability:

   • Ensures that the government operates within the framework of the Constitution and remains answerable to the people.

3. Legislative Authority:

   • Bills passed by the Lok Sabha and signed by the President become law.

4. Policy for Public Welfare:

   • Discussions in the Lok Sabha often lead to solutions for public issues.

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Conclusion:

The Lok Sabha is a pivotal institution in India’s parliamentary system. It not only performs legislative functions but also ensures government accountability and the protection of democracy. Its efficient functioning strengthens the foundations of Indian democracy, making it more transparent and inclusive.