Role, function, and powers of Lok Sabha, or the House of the People:
Representing the people:
The Lok Sabha is one of the two houses of the Indian Parliament and is directly elected by the people of India. It represents the people’s interests, and its primary function is to pass laws that benefit the citizens of India.
Making laws:
The Lok Sabha has the power to make laws related to all subjects in the Union List, except money bills, which can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. Any member of the Lok Sabha can introduce a bill, which is then debated and discussed before it is put to a vote.
Financial functions:
The Lok Sabha has an important role in India’s financial system. It has the power to approve the government’s budget, authorize taxation, and appropriate funds. It is responsible for ensuring that the government’s financial policies are in line with the interests of the people.
Control over the Executive:
The Lok Sabha exercises control over the executive by holding it accountable to the people. Members of the Lok Sabha can ask questions, move motions of no-confidence, and approve key appointments. This helps to ensure that the government is responsive to the needs of the people.
Representation of people:
The Lok Sabha provides a platform for people to voice their concerns and raise issues of national importance. Members of the Lok Sabha are expected to represent their constituencies and ensure that the government is responsive to the needs of the people.
Participating in elections:
The Lok Sabha participates in the election of the President and Vice-President of India. This ensures that these key constitutional functionaries are elected in a democratic and transparent manner.
Power to initiate bills:
The Lok Sabha has the power to initiate bills related to all subjects in the Union List, except money bills. This means that the Lok Sabha can take the lead in shaping the legislative agenda of the country.
More powerful than Rajya Sabha:
The Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha, as it represents the will of the people, whereas the Rajya Sabha represents the states.
Removing the government:
The Lok Sabha has the power to remove the government by passing a motion of no-confidence. This helps to ensure that the government remains accountable to the people.
Committee system:
The Lok Sabha has several committees that are responsible for various aspects of parliamentary work. These committees provide a platform for members to deliberate on issues and make recommendations to the government. The committees also help to ensure that parliamentary proceedings are conducted smoothly and efficiently.
Election and membership:
The Lok Sabha is composed of 545 members. Out of these, 543 members are directly elected by the people of India from their respective constituencies, and two members are nominated by the President of India to represent the Anglo-Indian community. Members are elected for a term of five years, after which a new election is held.
Speaker and Deputy Speaker:
The Lok Sabha is presided over by the Speaker, who is elected by the members of the house. The Speaker’s role is to conduct the proceedings of the house and maintain order. The Speaker is assisted by a Deputy Speaker, who is also elected by the members of the house.
Quorum:
The quorum for a meeting of the Lok Sabha is one-tenth of the total number of members of the house. If there is no quorum, the Speaker may adjourn the house or suspend the meeting until the quorum is met.
Powers of the Speaker:
The Speaker has several powers, including the power to adjourn the house, suspend a member, and rule on points of order. The Speaker also has the power to decide whether a bill is a money bill.
