Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha

Attribute	Lok Sabha	Rajya Sabha
Number of Members	545	245
Method of Election	Direct Election	Indirect Election
Term Duration	5 years	6 years
Representation	Representative of the people	Representative of the states and union territories
Eligibility Criteria	Indian citizen, 25 years or older	Indian citizen, 30 years or older
Presiding Officer	Speaker	Vice President
Quorum	1/10th of the total membership	1/10th of the total membership
Role in Legislation	Passes bills and laws	Reviews and suggests amendments to bills
Representation of States	Based on population	Equal representation for all states

Introduction

The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body in the country, consisting of two houses - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. While both houses play a crucial role in the lawmaking process, they differ in terms of their composition, functions, and powers. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to the Indian democratic system.

Composition

Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, is the lower house of Parliament. It consists of a maximum of 552 members, including 530 members representing the states and union territories, and 20 members representing the Union territories directly appointed by the President. The remaining two members are nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community if it is not adequately represented.

Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, is the upper house of Parliament, also known as the Council of States. It comprises a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 members are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies and Union territories' Legislative Assemblies. The President nominates the remaining 12 members who have expertise in various fields like literature, science, art, and social service.

Both houses have their unique composition, with Lok Sabha representing the people's will and Rajya Sabha representing the states' interests and providing a platform for experts from diverse fields to contribute to the legislative process.

Election and Term

The members of Lok Sabha are elected through direct elections held every five years. The entire country is divided into constituencies, and each constituency elects one representative. The President can dissolve Lok Sabha before the completion of its term if necessary.

In contrast, the members of Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies and Union territories' Legislative Assemblies. The elections for Rajya Sabha are held every two years, and one-third of its members retire after completing their six-year term. This ensures continuity in the functioning of the house.

While Lok Sabha represents the will of the people, Rajya Sabha provides stability and continuity by having a rotating membership, ensuring that experienced members can contribute to the legislative process over an extended period.

Functions and Powers

Lok Sabha plays a crucial role in the lawmaking process. It has the power to introduce and pass bills, including money bills, which can only be introduced in Lok Sabha. The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is responsible and accountable to Lok Sabha. It also has the authority to initiate discussions on matters of public importance, question the government, and hold it accountable for its actions.

Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, acts as a revising chamber. It reviews and suggests amendments to bills passed by Lok Sabha. It can delay the passage of a bill for up to six months, which provides an opportunity for in-depth scrutiny and debate. Rajya Sabha also plays a crucial role in the impeachment of the President and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Both houses have their unique functions and powers, with Lok Sabha being the primary legislative body and Rajya Sabha providing a platform for revising and refining legislation, ensuring a comprehensive and thorough legislative process.

Representation and Accountability

Lok Sabha represents the people of India, with members directly elected by the citizens. The members are accountable to their respective constituencies and are responsible for addressing the concerns and issues of their constituents. The presence of elected representatives ensures that the voice of the people is heard and reflected in the legislative process.

Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, represents the states and union territories. The members are not directly elected by the people but are chosen by the elected representatives of the State Legislative Assemblies and Union territories' Legislative Assemblies. This indirect election ensures that the states' interests are adequately represented at the national level.

Both houses provide a platform for representation and accountability, with Lok Sabha directly representing the people and Rajya Sabha indirectly representing the states and union territories, ensuring a balanced and inclusive legislative process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are two integral components of the Indian Parliament, each with its unique attributes and contributions. While Lok Sabha represents the will of the people and plays a primary role in the lawmaking process, Rajya Sabha acts as a revising chamber, providing stability, expertise, and a platform for states' interests to be heard. Together, they form a robust and democratic legislative system that ensures representation, accountability, and comprehensive legislation for the betterment of the nation.