Union Legislature : Lok Sabha - Composition, Functions And Role

INTRODUCTION

The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament and is also known as the House of the People. It is a part of the Union Legislature and represents the people of India. The Lok Sabha is responsible for creating, passing and amending laws and is the more powerful of the two houses of Parliament.

The Lok Sabha is composed of members who are elected by the people of India through direct elections. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552 members, of which 530 are elected from the states and 20 are elected from the Union Territories. Two members are also nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community, if the President feels that this community is not adequately represented.

The Lok Sabha has several important powers, including the ability to initiate and pass bills related to money, which means that any legislation related to government spending must first be introduced in the Lok Sabha. It also has the power to impeach the President and remove judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts.

The Lok Sabha is presided over by the Speaker, who is elected by the members of the House. The Speaker is assisted by a Deputy Speaker and other officials. The Lok Sabha meets for three sessions each year and is the forum where important debates on national issues take place.

COMPOSITION

The Lok Sabha is composed of members who are elected by the people of India through direct elections. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552 members, of which 530 are elected from the states and 20 are elected from the Union Territories.

The allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha to each state and Union Territory is based on the population of that state or UT. This means that states with a higher population have more seats in the Lok Sabha. The number of seats assigned to each state and UT is determined by the President of India based on the recommendations of the Delimitation Commission.

In addition to the elected members, the Lok Sabha also has two members who are nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community, if the President feels that this community is not adequately represented.

The term of the Lok Sabha is five years, unless it is dissolved earlier. If a seat in the Lok Sabha becomes vacant due to the death or resignation of a member, a by-election is held to fill the vacancy.

Overall, the composition of the Lok Sabha is designed to ensure that all parts of India are represented and that the House reflects the diversity of the country.

FUNCTION
  • LEGISLATIVE FUNCTION : The Lok Sabha is responsible for creating, passing, and amending laws. Any bill related to money, such as the Union Budget, must first be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha can also introduce non-financial bills and can initiate impeachment proceedings against the President, Vice President, or other officials.
  • BUDGET FUNCTION : The Lok Sabha has a critical role in the budget-making process of India. The Union Budget is presented in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister and is subject to approval by the House. The Lok Sabha can also make recommendations on how the budget should be allocated.
  • OVERSIGHT FUNCTION : The Lok Sabha exercises oversight over the executive branch of government through various mechanisms such as question hour, debates, and parliamentary committees. The Lok Sabha can also hold the government accountable through no-confidence motions and by summoning ministers for questioning.
  • ELECTORAL FUNCTION : The Lok Sabha plays a significant role in India's electoral system. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected through direct elections, and the House has the power to determine the outcome of a general election. The Lok Sabha can also conduct inquiries into allegations of electoral malpractices.
  • CONSTITUTIONAL FUNCTION : The Lok Sabha also has a constitutional function, such as amending the Constitution, ratifying international treaties, and creating new states or altering state boundaries.
ROLE
  • REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE : The Lok Sabha represents the voice of the people of India and serves as a platform for citizens to raise their concerns and grievances. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by the people and are accountable to their constituents.
  • MAKING LAWS : The Lok Sabha is responsible for creating, passing, and amending laws. Any bill related to money must first be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha also has the power to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President, Vice President, or other officials.
  • ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY : The Lok Sabha exercises oversight over the executive branch of government, ensuring that officials are held accountable for their actions. Through various mechanisms such as question hour, debates, and parliamentary committees, the Lok Sabha can hold the government accountable and ensure that it is working in the best interests of the people.
  • FORMING THE GOVERNMENT : The party or coalition of parties that has a majority in the Lok Sabha forms the government. The Lok Sabha thus has a crucial role in determining the political direction of the country.
  • OVERSIGHT OF GOVERNMENT : The Lok Sabha exercises oversight over the executive branch of government, ensuring that officials are held accountable for their actions. Through various mechanisms such as question hour, debates, and parliamentary committees, the Lok Sabha can hold the government accountable and ensure that it is working in the best interests of the people.
  • REPRESENTING INDIA INTERNATIONALLY : The Lok Sabha also plays a role in representing India on the international stage. Members of the Lok Sabha participate in international conferences and engage with foreign leaders to promote India's interests and advance its foreign policy objectives.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament and plays a critical role in the country's democratic system. It represents the voice of the people of India, enacts laws that affect their lives, ensures accountability of the executive branch of government, and plays a crucial role in determining the political direction of the country. Through its various functions, including legislative, budgetary, electoral, oversight, and constitutional, the Lok Sabha contributes to the development and progress of India.