The Lok Sabha, which translates to "House of the People," is the lower house of India's Parliament of India. It plays a pivotal role in the democratic governance of the country, representing the citizens of India through its elected members.
History
Structure and Composition
- The Lok Sabha consists of representatives chosen by direct election on the basis of adult suffrage. Its maximum strength is 552 members, of which 530 are to represent the States of India, 20 are to represent the Union Territories, and 2 can be nominated by the President of India from the Anglo-Indian community if the community is not adequately represented.
- Seats are allocated to states based on their population, with each state having constituencies of roughly equal population.
- The term of the Lok Sabha is five years unless dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Functions
- Legislative Role: The Lok Sabha, along with the Rajya Sabha, passes laws concerning all subjects in the Union List and also matters in the Concurrent List, where it can override a disagreement with the Rajya Sabha through a joint sitting.
- Financial Control: Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, giving it exclusive authority over financial legislation.
- Executive Oversight: It exercises control over the executive by asking questions, moving motions for adjournment, and discussing issues of public interest.
- Election of the Speaker: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected from among its members, who presides over the sessions and maintains order.
- No-Confidence Motion: The government can be removed from office if a no-confidence motion is passed.
Important Features
- Representation of Women: Efforts have been made to increase the representation of women through bills like the Women's Reservation Bill.
- Reservation for SCs and STs: Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population.
- Quorum: The minimum number of members required to constitute a meeting of the Lok Sabha is one-tenth of the total membership.
Notable Facts
- The first session of the Lok Sabha was presided over by G.V. Mavlankar, who was also the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- The Lok Sabha Secretariat manages the administrative affairs of the house.
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