IGNOUMATIC

The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha are the two houses of the Indian Parliament and play crucial roles as custodians of parliamentary democracy in India. Each house has distinct functions and powers, but together they form the cornerstone of India’s democratic governance system.

 Lok Sabha:

1. Representation of the People: The Lok Sabha represents the people of India, with members directly elected by the citizens through universal adult suffrage. It is the lower house of Parliament and reflects the will and aspirations of the electorate.

2. Legislative Functions: The Lok Sabha has primary responsibility for lawmaking. It considers and debates bills proposed by the government, as well as private members’ bills. The majority party in the Lok Sabha usually forms the government and plays a significant role in shaping legislative agenda and priorities.

3. Executive Oversight: The Lok Sabha exercises oversight over the executive branch of government, particularly the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Members of the Lok Sabha have the authority to question ministers, scrutinize government policies and programs, and hold the executive accountable through parliamentary debates, discussions, and parliamentary committees.

4. Financial Powers: The Lok Sabha has exclusive authority over financial matters, including the approval of annual budgets, taxation measures, and expenditure proposals. Money bills can only be introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha, giving it significant control over the government’s financial policies.

5. No-Confidence Motions: The Lok Sabha has the power to remove the government through a vote of no-confidence. If a motion of no-confidence is passed against the government, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are required to resign, leading to potential changes in government leadership.

 Rajya Sabha:

1. Representation of States: The Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories of India, with members indirectly elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies and union territories. It serves as a forum for representing state interests at the national level.

2. Revisionary Functions: The Rajya Sabha acts as a revising chamber, providing a platform for detailed examination and review of legislation passed by the Lok Sabha. It can suggest amendments, modifications, or improvements to bills, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of legislative outcomes.

3. Representation of Diverse Voices: The Rajya Sabha ensures representation of diverse perspectives, interests, and expertise in parliamentary debates and decision-making processes. Members of the Rajya Sabha bring varied backgrounds, experiences, and regional insights to discussions, enriching the democratic discourse.

4. Special Powers: The Rajya Sabha has special powers in certain constitutional matters, including the amendment of the Constitution, the creation or abolition of states, and the imposition of President’s Rule in states. It serves as a forum for deliberating on issues of national importance and constitutional significance.

5. Stability and Continuity: Unlike the Lok Sabha, which is subject to dissolution every five years, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body with one-third of its members retiring every two years. This ensures continuity and stability in the functioning of the upper house, allowing for long-term planning and deliberation on critical issues.

 Role as Custodians of Parliamentary Democracy:

1. Checks and Balances: The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha act as checks on each other’s powers, ensuring a system of checks and balances within the parliamentary framework. The legislative process involves rigorous scrutiny, debate, and consensus-building between the two houses, leading to more informed and robust decision-making.

2. Representation and Accountability: By representing the interests of the people and the states respectively, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are heard in the legislative process. They hold the government accountable to the parliament and the electorate, ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and accountability in governance.

3. Guardians of Constitutional Values: As custodians of parliamentary democracy, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution of India. They safeguard democratic norms, individual rights, and the rule of law, ensuring that the government functions within the constitutional framework and respects democratic principles.

In conclusion, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha serve as the custodians of parliamentary democracy in India, with distinct roles and responsibilities in representing the people, states, and diverse interests of the nation. Together, they embody the spirit of democratic governance, accountability, and constitutionalism, contributing to the strength and resilience of India’s democratic institutions.