Indian Central Legislature: What is it Known As?

Study Notes

Central Legislature and Executive of India

In 1921, India gained semi-independence with the creation of a central legislative body called the Central Legislative Assembly. The primary objective of this assembly was to gradually transition towards full independence. The Assembly consisted of two houses: the Council of State, representing princely states, and the Legislative Assembly, representing the populace. These chambers functioned independently until 1927 when they combined to form the Council House, which later became known as Parliament House and serves as the current seat of the Indian Parliament.

The leadership of the Central Legislative Assembly was initially headed by Sir Frederick Whyte as the first president. Later, the role was taken over by Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar, who served as the final pre-independence president.

Parliament of India

The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the nation, consisting of the President, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). It is responsible for drafting laws based on the wishes of the people of India. The President of India presides over the upper house, the Rajya Sabha, while the Speaker of the Lok Sabha manages the lower house's proceedings.

The Parliament functions through the introduction, debate, and passage of bills. Each bill goes through three readings in each house before being presented to the President for approval. If the President assents to the bill, it becomes an Act of Parliament. The President can refuse assent, exercise a pocket veto, or send the bill back to Parliament for reconsideration. In cases of constitutional amendment bills, the President is obliged to grant assent.

Bills can be introduced by either a minister or a private member. The former case is known as a Government Bill, while the latter is considered a Private Member's Bill. Members need to seek permission from the respective houses to introduce bills. Once a bill is introduced, there is a period of discussion and debate, followed by the formation of select committees for further examination. A report from these committees is then discussed in the house, leading to the final passage of the bill.

Prime Minister of India

The Prime Minister of India serves as the head of government, appointed by the President. Their primary responsibility is to guide and direct the executive branch of the central government, manage cabinet affairs, and coordinate national policies. They share power with the President and act as the official spokesperson of the government.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Lok Sabha, meaning 'House of the People', represents the lower chamber of the Indian Parliament. Its members are elected through direct voting in constituencies across the country. The term for a Lok Sabha member is five years. Some of its key responsibilities include approving the Union Budget, impeaching high-ranking officials like the President, and passing ordinances.

Rajya Sabha, or the 'Council of States,' is the upper house of Parliament. It comprises members nominated by state governments, indirectly elected representatives of local bodies, and six representatives of union territories. Unlike Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha members serve terms of six years. This house plays a crucial role in providing greater representation to regions and interests beyond those of the Lok Sabha.

Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers, also known as the Cabinet, is composed of ministers who assist the Prime Minister in administering the country. It includes the Prime Minister and other ministers, who may be assigned specific portfolios. The Council of Ministers advises the President and helps implement government policies.

President of India

The President of India serves as the ceremonial head of state but has limited powers compared to other heads of state. They have the responsibility to appoint the Prime Minister, along with other ministers, and preside over the Rajya Sabha. The President also holds the power to issue pardons for offenses against the federal government, though not the individual states.

Description

Learn about the evolution of the Central Legislative Assembly in India, the structure and functions of the Parliament of India, the role of the Prime Minister, and the significance of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Council of Ministers, and President of India in the country's governance.