Disclaimer:- All the Information
provided in this post are prepared & compiled by A. Praveen Kumar, SPM,
Papannapet SO-502303, Telangana State for in good faith of Postal
Assistant Exam Aspirants. Author of blog does not accepts any responsibility in
relation to the accuracy, completeness, usefulness or otherwise, of contents.
THE PARLIAMENT OF INDIA
The Parliament consists of the Rajya Sabha (Council
of States), the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the office of the
President. Any Bill can become an Act only after being passed by both Houses of
Parliament. The Parliament House was designed by British
architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in 1912-1913. It was opened in 1927 to house
the Council of States, the Central Legislative Assembly and the Chamber of
Princes. The minimum age for membership to the Rajya
Sabha is 30 years, while for the Lok Sabha it is 25 years.
It shares legislative powers with the Lok Sabha,
except in the case of supply Bills (like Money Bills) where the Lok Sabha has
overriding powers. In the case of conflicting legislation, a joint sitting of
the two Houses is held. However, since the Lok Sabha has more than twice as
many members as the Rajya Sabha, it holds de facto veto power in such
legislations. The Parliament has its own TV broadcasting stations launched in
2004: Doordarshan Rajya Sabha and Doordarshan Lok Sabha (now known as Lok Sabha
TV).When the Constitution of India came into effect on
26 Jan 1950, the Constituent Assembly became the Provisional Parliament of
India. It remained so until the first elections in 1951.The
business of Parliament is transacted in either Hindi or English. However, the Presiding Officers
of the two Houses may permit any member to address the House in his mother
tongue.
THE RAJYA
SABHA (COUNCIL OF STATES)
About the Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament. The
Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya
Sabha is elected from among members. He officiates in the absence of the
Chairman. The first sitting of the Rajya Sabha was held
in May 1952
Membership to the Rajya Sabha
The maximum permissible strength
of the Rajya Sabha is 250. Of these 238 members are elected indirectly from
the states and Union Territories, and 12 are nominated by the President for
their expertise in art, literature, science and social services.Currently,
the strength of the Rajya Sabha is 245. Of these 233 are members elected
from states and UTs and 12 are nominated members. Members from state assemblies
are elected using the Single Transferable Vote system.The
provision for nominated members is found in Article 80 of the Constitution
Tenure of the Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha is a continuous body and is not
subject to dissolution.Members enjoy a tenure of six years. One-third of the
members retire every two years
Functions of the Rajya Sabha
Acts as a non-partisan forum for full and free
debates. Can originate any Bill, including constitutional amendment Bills,
except Money Bills.Re-evaluates Bills originating in the Lok Sabha in a
non-political manner.Relieves the work of the Lok Sabha in considering Private
Bills (Bills that apply to specific individuals or organizations).Along with
the Lok Sabha, votes on the election of President and Vice-President.Along with
the Lok Sabha, votes on the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High
Courts.Along with the Lok Sabha, votes for the continued proclamation of
Emergency beyond a period of two months.Acts as the sole de
facto and de jure Parliament if the Lok Sabha is dissolved
during an Emergency.
THE LOK SABHA (HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE)
About the Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha is the lower House of Parliament
The current Lok Sabha is the 16th Lok Sabha to
be constituted
The first hour of every sitting of the Lok Sabha is
called Question Hour, during which questions posed by members may be assigned
to specific ministries
Three sessions of the Lok Sabha are held every
year:
Budget session: February to May
Monsoon session: July to September
Winter session: November to December
Membership to the Lok Sabha
The maximum permissible strength of the Lok Sabha
is 552. Of these, 530 are to be chosen by direct election, 20 are to be
representatives of Union Territories, and 2 to be nominated
Anglo-Indians.Currently, the strength of the Lok Sabha is 545. Of these,
530 are chosen by direct election, 13 are from Union Territories, and 2 are
nominated Anglo-Indians
Tenure of the Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha has a tenure of five years, unless
dissolved earlier.The tenure may be extended by a proclamation of
Emergency. The Emergency may extend the term of the Lok Sabha in one year
increments.
Functions of the Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha controls the functioning of the
Executive, by making the Council of Ministers answerable to it.The sanctioning
of expenditure is the exclusive priviledge of the Lok Sabha
Can originate any Bill, including Money Bills
Along with the Rajya Sabha, votes on the election
of President and Vice-President
Along with the Rajya Sabha, votes on the removal of
judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
Along with the Rajya Sabha, votes for the continued
proclamation of Emergency beyond a period of two months
