The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body in the country, playing a central role in the governance of India. It is a bicameral institution, consisting of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Parliament is vested with various powers and functions to ensure that laws are made, the government is held accountable, and the welfare of the people is promoted. The powers and functions of the Indian Parliament can be categorized into several key areas.
1. Legislative Powers
One of the primary functions of the Parliament of India is to make laws. This is done through the process of legislation, where the Parliament discusses, debates, and passes bills that become laws. The legislative powers of Parliament include:
- Passing Laws: The Parliament has the authority to legislate on all matters enumerated in the Union List (subjects of national importance) and the Concurrent List (subjects on which both the Centre and states can legislate). Laws related to defense, foreign affairs, and national security fall under its domain. Additionally, the Parliament can legislate on matters in the State List if a national emergency is declared.
- Money Bills: The Parliament has exclusive authority to pass money bills (which deal with the imposition, alteration, and collection of taxes, expenditure, etc.). The Lok Sabha plays a dominant role in the passage of money bills, as they can only be introduced in this house. The Rajya Sabha can delay them, but cannot amend or reject them.
- Amendment of the Constitution: Parliament holds the power to amend the Constitution of India. Amendments can be made through a special procedure involving the approval of both Houses of Parliament, and in some cases, the state legislatures. However, certain provisions (such as the federal structure) cannot be amended without the consent of the states.
2. Control over the Executive
The Parliament plays a crucial role in controlling and overseeing the functioning of the executive branch (the government). The control mechanisms include:
- Confidence and Accountability: The executive (the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers) is directly accountable to the Lok Sabha. The government must retain the confidence of the Lok Sabha to stay in power. If the Lok Sabha passes a vote of no confidence, the entire government must resign.
- Question Hour: Members of Parliament can question government ministers about their policies, decisions, and actions. This is done through the Question Hour, where MPs have the opportunity to ask questions, both written and oral, and receive answers. This is an essential tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
- Debates and Discussions: Parliament conducts debates and discussions on important national issues, including the policies and decisions of the government. This serves as a forum for airing grievances, presenting alternative views, and holding the government accountable.
3. Financial Powers
The Parliament of India holds significant financial powers to control and supervise the use of national resources. This includes:
- Approval of the Budget: Every year, the government presents its financial budget to Parliament, detailing income and expenditure projections. Parliament debates and approves the budget, which is essential for the government to spend money for public welfare. The Lok Sabha plays the central role in approving the budget, while the Rajya Sabha can discuss it but cannot reject it.
- Control over Expenditure: The government cannot spend money without Parliament’s approval. The Parliament ensures that public funds are used for the benefit of the people and that no expenditure is made without legislative authorization.
- Money Bills and Appropriation Bills: Any bill that involves the imposition of taxes or expenditure is considered a money bill and must be passed by the Parliament. These bills originate in the Lok Sabha and are sent to the Rajya Sabha for approval.
4. Judicial Powers
While the Parliament does not have judicial powers, it plays an important role in the judicial system of India:
- Impeachment of the President: Parliament has the authority to impeach the President of India for violation of the Constitution. The process requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
- Removal of Judges: Parliament can remove judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts through an impeachment process if they are found guilty of misbehavior or incapacity.
- Law-Making in Judicial Matters: Parliament can make laws on judicial matters, including the structure of the judiciary, the jurisdiction of courts, and the rules for judicial appointments.
5. Constituent Power
The Parliament of India possesses the power to amend the Constitution, as mentioned earlier. This constituent power allows it to modify the constitutional framework to meet the changing needs of the country. However, the power is not absolute and is subject to certain limitations, particularly with respect to provisions that affect the federal structure or the basic structure of the Constitution, as defined by the judiciary.
6. Other Functions
- Electoral Functions: The Parliament participates in the election of the President and Vice President of India. It also plays a role in the election of the Rajya Sabha members through an indirect election process.
- Representation of the People: The Parliament serves as the representative body of the people of India. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the interests of their constituents and regions. They participate in debates, raise issues affecting their constituencies, and vote on important matters.
- International Relations: The Parliament ratifies treaties, agreements, and declarations with other countries and international organizations. It approves foreign policy decisions made by the executive.
Conclusion
The Parliament of India holds significant powers and functions that are essential for the smooth functioning of democracy and governance. Through its legislative, financial, judicial, and supervisory functions, it ensures that the government remains accountable to the people, laws are made in accordance with the Constitution, and resources are used effectively for the welfare of citizens. Its role in shaping the policies of the nation and representing the people makes it a cornerstone of India's democratic framework.
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