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The Democratic Framework: India's Parliamentary System Explained

India gained its independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. The Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, established the foundation for the democratic governance of the country. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution, ensured that it incorporated the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity


The Indian Parliamentary System: A Simple Overview

India, recognized as the world's largest democracy, operates under a parliamentary form of government. Here's a straightforward explanation of how it works:

Structure of the Government

India's government is divided into three branches:
  1. The Executive: This includes the President, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers.
  2. The Legislature: This is the body that makes laws and consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
  3. The Judiciary: This is the system of courts that interprets the laws and ensures justice.

The President

  • The President of India is the ceremonial head of state. This means the President represents the nation but doesn't run the government.
  • The President is elected by an electoral college made up of members of both houses of Parliament and the legislative assemblies of the states and Union territories.
  • The President's duties include appointing the Prime Minister, signing bills into law, and representing India at official functions.

The Prime Minister

  • The Prime Minister acts as the head of government and possesses the highest executive authority.
  • The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the party that has the most seats in the Lok Sabha.
  • The Prime Minister selects the Council of Ministers, who help run various government departments and implement policies.

The Legislature

India's Parliament has two houses: The Lok Sabha and The Rajya sabha, Let's know about these two Sabha. 

 The Lok Sabha: An Overview:

The Lok Sabha, commonly known as the House of the People, serves as the lower chamber of India's bicameral Parliament. It plays a crucial role in the legislative process and represents the voice of the Indian populace. Here's an in-depth explanation of the Lok Sabha and the election process for its members, accompanied by an example for better understanding.

Structure and Function:

Maximum member in the Lok Sabha is 552. Of these, up to 530 members represent the states, up to 20 members represent the Union territories, and the President of India can nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian community if he or she believes the community is not adequately represented. The primary function of the Lok Sabha is to pass laws and budgets, discuss national issues, and keep the executive branch in check through various motions and debates.

Election Process

1. Constituencies and Representation: India is divided into 543 parliamentary constituencies, each of which elects one member to the Lok Sabha. These constituencies are geographically defined areas with roughly equal populations, ensuring equitable representation.

2. Universal Adult Suffrage: Every Indian citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote, provided they are registered on the electoral roll. This principle of universal adult suffrage ensures that every eligible voter can participate in the democratic process.

3. Political Parties and Candidates: Candidates for Lok Sabha elections are usually nominated by political parties, though independent candidates can also contest. Major political parties like the Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and regional parties field candidates in various constituencies.

4. Election Campaigns: Candidates and parties campaign vigorously across their constituencies, presenting their manifestos, policies, and promises to the electorate. Campaign strategies include rallies, advertisements, social media outreach, and door-to-door canvassing.

5. Voting and Ballot: On election day, voters visit designated polling stations to cast their votes through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The process is supervised by the Election Commission of India, which ensures the elections are free and fair.

6. Counting and Results: After voting concludes, the EVMs are securely transported to counting centers. Votes are counted, and results are declared by the Election Commission. The candidate with the highest number of votes in each constituency wins and becomes a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha.

Example: 2019 General Elections

To illustrate, let’s consider the 2019 general elections. In this election:The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party, winning 303 out of 543 seats.
Narendra Modi, the leader of the BJP, was re-elected as the Prime Minister of India.
One notable constituency was Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, where Narendra Modi contested and won by a significant margin, highlighting his popularity and the party's dominance.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Lawmaking: The Lok Sabha introduces and passes various bills. A bill needs to be approved by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) and then receive the President's assent to become law.

2. Budget Approval: The Lok Sabha plays a critical role in financial matters. The annual Union Budget, which details the government's revenue and expenditure, must be passed by the Lok Sabha.

3. Government Oversight: Through mechanisms like Question Hour, Zero Hour, and various parliamentary committees, Lok Sabha members hold the executive branch accountable, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

4. Representation: Members of the Lok Sabha represent the interests and concerns of their constituents. They raise issues pertinent to their regions and work towards the welfare of the people they represent.

In summary we knew from the above article that, The Lok Sabha is a pivotal institution in India's democratic framework, embodying the principles of representative democracy. The process of electing its members through universal adult suffrage ensures that every citizen has a voice in the legislative process. By understanding the structure, election process, and functions of the Lok Sabha, one can appreciate its integral role in shaping India's political landscape and governance.

The Rajya Sabha: An Overview

The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of India's two-part Parliament It represents the states and Union territories of the country and plays a crucial role in the legislative process alongside the Lok Sabha, the lower house. Here’s a comprehensive explanation of the Rajya Sabha, including the election process for its members and an illustrative example.

Structure and Function

The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members. Currently, there are 245 members, out of which 233 are elected by the legislatures of the states and Union territories, while 12 are nominated by the President of India and they are selected for their knowledge in areas like literature, science, art, and social service.

Election Process

1. Representation of States and Union Territories: 
The Rajya Sabha represents the states and Union territories of India and the number of seats allocated to each state is based on its population, ensuring proportionate representation.

2. Indirect Elections: 
Rajya Sabha members are not directly elected by the public. Instead, they are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) through a single transferable vote system, a form of proportional representation. This ensures that even minority groups have a chance of representation.

3. Nominations by the President:
The President of India nominates 12 members for their contributions to arts, literature, science, and social services. This provision allows for the inclusion of distinguished individuals who may not be involved in politics but have made significant contributions to society.

4. Terms and Rotation:
Members serve six-year terms, with one-third of them retiring every two years. This system ensures continuity and stability within the house.

5. Eligibility:
To be eligible for the Rajya Sabha, a person must meet certain requirements, that must be:
  • A citizen of India.
  • At least 30 years old.
  • They must have other qualifications as required by law.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Legislative Functions: The Rajya Sabha plays a critical role in the legislative process. Bills can be introduced in either house of Parliament, except for money bills, which can only originate in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha reviews, amends, and either passes or rejects the bills passed by the Lok Sabha.

2. Federal Balance:
The Rajya Sabha acts as a federal chamber, ensuring representation for the states and Union territories. It balances the centralizing tendencies of the Lok Sabha by giving the states a voice in the legislative process.

3. Reviewing Legislation:
The Rajya Sabha serves as a revising chamber. It scrutinizes and suggests changes to legislation proposed by the Lok Sabha, ensuring thorough deliberation before laws are enacted.

4. Checks and Balances:
The Rajya Sabha provides checks and balances within the parliamentary system. It can challenge decisions made by the Lok Sabha, requiring careful consideration and fostering cooperation between the two houses.

Example: Election in Maharashtra

To illustrate, consider the Rajya Sabha elections held in the state of Maharashtra:
  • Maharashtra has 19 Rajya Sabha seats.
  • During an election cycle, the MLAs from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly vote to elect new members to the Rajya Sabha as per the single transferable vote system.
  • Suppose in a particular election, candidates from major political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) vie for the seats.
  • Each MLA ranks candidates in order of preference. The counting process ensures proportional representation, so even smaller parties can win seats if they secure enough votes.
  • In this way, several candidates are elected to represent Maharashtra in the Rajya Sabha for a six-year term.
In summary we know that, The Rajya Sabha is an essential part of India's federal structure, providing a platform for states and Union territories to participate in the legislative process. Its members, elected by state legislatures and nominated by the President, ensure a diverse representation of interests and expertise. By functioning as a revising chamber, the Rajya Sabha ensures that legislation is carefully examined, fostering a balanced and effective parliamentary system.

Judiciary

  • The judiciary functions autonomously, separate from both the executive and legislative branches.
  • The Supreme Court is the highest court, followed by High Courts in each state and various lower courts.
  • The judiciary ensures that laws are followed and protects the rights of citizens.

Checks and Balances

India's parliamentary system features checks and balances to ensure no single branch of government gains excessive power. This ensures that power is shared and that the government operates fairly.

Conclusion

India's parliamentary system is designed to represent the people and ensure that the country is governed democratically. By having a structure where different branches of government can hold each other accountable, India strives to maintain a balanced and fair system of governance.

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