How Indian Parliament works
A plain-English guide to the institution that makes India's laws, controls public money and holds the government to account.
Who makes up Parliament?
Under Article 79 of the Constitution, Parliament consists of the President and two Houses. The Lok Sabha (House of the People) is directly elected by voters. The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) represents the States and Union Territories. The President is part of Parliament because every Bill needs the President's assent to become law.
Parliament and government are not the same
Parliament is the legislature. The government, meaning the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, is the executive. The President appoints the Prime Minister, normally the leader who has the support of a majority in the Lok Sabha. Ministers must be members of Parliament (or become one within six months) and the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
How a Bill becomes an Act
- A Bill is introduced in either House (Money Bills only in the Lok Sabha).
- It is debated, and may be examined in detail by a committee.
- It must be passed by both Houses in the same form.
- If the Houses disagree on an ordinary Bill, the President can call a joint sitting, chaired by the Lok Sabha Speaker.
- Once passed, it goes to the President for assent and becomes an Act.
Sessions and daily business
By convention Parliament meets in three sessions: Budget, Monsoon and Winter. No more than six months may pass between sessions. A sitting usually begins with Question Hour, when members question ministers. Starred questions are answered orally; unstarred questions in writing. Zero Hour, an informal practice, follows.
Scrutiny and committees
Much of Parliament's detailed work happens in committees. The Public Accounts Committee examines the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General on how public money was spent; by convention its chair is from the Opposition. The Estimates Committee, drawn only from the Lok Sabha, looks at spending plans.
Check your understanding
Tap a question to see the answer and why. In the timed challenge you pick from four options.
Who gives final assent to a Bill passed by Parliament?
Answer: The President. A Bill passed by both Houses is presented to the President for assent. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 111
Who can summon a joint sitting of both Houses to resolve a deadlock?
Answer: The President. The President may call a joint sitting when the Houses disagree on an ordinary Bill. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 108
What is a 'starred question' in Parliament?
Answer: One answered orally in the House. Starred questions get oral answers, and MPs can ask supplementary questions. Source: Parliament of India (sansad.in)
What kind of answer does an 'unstarred question' receive?
Answer: A written answer. Unstarred questions are answered in writing and laid on the Table. Source: Parliament of India (sansad.in)
Which parliamentary committee examines the CAG's audit reports?
Answer: Public Accounts Committee. The Public Accounts Committee scrutinises how public money has been spent. Source: Parliament of India (sansad.in)
By convention, the chair of the Public Accounts Committee comes from where?
Answer: The Opposition. Since 1967 the PAC chair has, by convention, been an Opposition member. Source: Parliament of India (sansad.in)