What is Lok Sabha?
The Indian Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, plays a crucial role in India’s parliamentary system.
As the lower house of Parliament, it represents the will of the people and exercises legislative powers. This article delves into its formation and highlights significant sessions that have shaped the nation.
Points to be Covered in this Article –
- Formation
- Obligations
- Important Sessions
- Leadership
- Functions and Power
- Significance
General Information
- Name: Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Type: Lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament
- Established: January 26, 1950, under the Indian Constitution
Composition and Membership
- Maximum Strength : 552 members
- State Representatives: Up to 530
- Union Territory Representatives: Up to 20
- Anglo-Indian Community Representatives: Up to 2 (appointed by the President, if deemed necessary)
- Term Duration: 5 years, unless dissolved sooner
- Elections: Direct elections based on universal adult suffrage
Leadership
- Speaker: Elected by Lok Sabha members, presides over sessions
- Deputy Speaker: Also elected by members, assists the Speaker
Functions and Powers
- Legislative Authority: Introduces and passes laws
- Budgetary Role: Examines and approves government expenditures
- Constitutional Amendments: Has the power to amend the Constitution
- Government Accountability: Holds the executive branch accountable through question hours, debates, and no-confidence motions
- Public Representation: Represents the will of the people, ensuring their voices are heard in national decision-making
Significance
- Democratic Pillar: Serves as a foundation for India’s democratic governance
- Legislative Platform: Facilitates critical debates and decisions on national policies and issues
- Check and Balance: Ensures a system of checks and balances by scrutinizing the executive branch
Important Sessions
The First Lok Sabha (1952-1957)
The first session of the Lok Sabha convened on May 13, 1952. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of India, addressed the inaugural session, marking the beginning of a new democratic era. This session laid the foundation for the functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy. It also saw the passing of significant legislation, including the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, which reformed Hindu personal laws.
The Ninth Lok Sabha (1989-1991)
The ninth Lok Sabha is notable for its volatile political environment. It witnessed the fall of the Rajiv Gandhi government and the rise of the National Front coalition led by V.P. Singh. This period was marked by significant events, including the implementation of the Mandal Commission report, which recommended reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions.
The Sixteenth Lok Sabha (2014-2019)
The sixteenth Lok Sabha was significant due to the overwhelming majority won by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under the leadership of Narendra Modi. This period saw the introduction and passing of key legislation such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, which aimed to streamline India’s indirect tax system. The session also focused on initiatives like the Make in India campaign, aimed at boosting manufacturing and economic growth.
Want to know about the Present Session, 18th Session.
For More Detail you can visit India’s Political Arena.