Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament of India, responsible for making and passing laws, discussing national issues, and representing the people of India. It is one of the two houses of Parliament, the other being the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Here are some key details about the Lok Sabha:
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Composition:
- The Lok Sabha consists of up to 552 members, of which a maximum of 530 are directly elected from the states, 20 are elected from Union Territories, and 2 are nominated by the President of India from the Anglo-Indian community (though the provision for nomination was removed by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019).
- Members are elected through direct elections by the people, using a first-past-the-post system, in their respective constituencies across India.
- The total number of Lok Sabha seats is divided among states and Union Territories based on their population, with each state being represented by a set number of Members of Parliament (MPs).
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Term:
- The Lok Sabha is elected for a term of five years, unless dissolved sooner by the President of India.
- Elections are held every five years to elect the new members. If the government is not able to complete its term or if the Lok Sabha is dissolved earlier, fresh elections are held.
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Leadership:
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the head and presides over its proceedings. The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha.
- The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order in the house, ensuring parliamentary procedures are followed, and representing the house in all external matters.
- The Leader of the House is typically the Prime Minister of India, while the Leader of the Opposition is the leader of the largest party in the opposition.
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Functions:
- Legislative Functions: The Lok Sabha debates and passes laws on matters such as national security, economy, social issues, and international relations. The bills passed in the Lok Sabha are then sent to the Rajya Sabha and, if agreed upon, are sent to the President for assent.
- Financial Powers: It plays a key role in matters related to the national budget, taxation, and government expenditure. The government must obtain the Lok Sabha’s approval for any money bills.
- Control Over the Executive: The Lok Sabha holds the government accountable by questioning ministers and debating policies. If the majority of the members do not support the government, they can pass a vote of no confidence, leading to the resignation of the government.
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Sessions:
- The Lok Sabha meets three times a year: the Budget Session, the Monsoon Session, and the Winter Session.
- During each session, the members discuss and deliberate on various issues, introduce new bills, and review government policies.
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Importance:
- The Lok Sabha plays a central role in India’s democratic process, acting as the direct voice of the people.
- It represents the interests and aspirations of the public, making it a vital institution in India’s governance structure.
In essence, the Lok Sabha is the legislative heart of the country, influencing policymaking and governance through democratic debate, decision-making, and the passage of laws.