Parliament is the highest law-making body in India, yet most citizens know surprisingly little about how it actually functions. With Parliament sessions regularly in the news, here is a straightforward guide.
The Two Houses of Parliament
India's Parliament is bicameral — meaning it has two chambers that must both approve most legislation before it becomes law.
Lok Sabha (House of the People) is the lower house and the more powerful of the two. It has 543 elected members, each representing a specific parliamentary constituency. The party that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.
Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is the upper house. Unlike the Lok Sabha, it is never fully dissolved — one third of its 245 members retire every two years. Members are elected by state legislative assemblies, giving states a voice at the national level.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
A bill can be introduced in either house (with some exceptions, like the Finance Bill). It goes through three readings — introduction, detailed discussion, and final voting. After passing one house, it goes to the other. Once both houses pass it, the President gives assent and it becomes law.
What Happens During a Session
Parliament meets in three sessions each year: the Budget Session (February to May), the Monsoon Session (July to September), and the Winter Session (November to December). Question Hour — the first hour of business each day — allows MPs to directly question ministers. Zero Hour follows and allows MPs to raise urgent matters without prior notice.
The Role of Your MP
Your Member of Parliament is not just a voter on legislation — they are your representative. They can raise issues affecting your constituency, ask questions to ministers, and speak in debates. They also receive funds through the MPLADS scheme to spend on development projects in your constituency. Understanding Parliament empowers you as a citizen.