Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha
The Parliament of India has a bicameral system wherein there are two bodies that comprise the legislative branch of government. These bodies are the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha is called the “House of the People” and comprises the lower house of Parliament. It is comprised of 545 members with the majority of members elected by the Indian people from the union territories. The two members of this chamber are appointed by the Indian President. The maximum term of this house is five years unless it is dissolved.
Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, is called the “Council of States” and comprises 250 members. There are 12 members nominated by the President from various fields while the remaining 238 members are elected by the state legislative assemblies. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body of the Parliament and cannot be dissolved. However, its members have a shorter term. One-third of its members retire in two years’ time.
The qualification to become a member of both Houses is the same. A member should be an Indian citizen with mentally sound judgment, no record of a bankruptcy, and no criminal record. It is also a prerequisite that a member doesn’t hold a profitable office under the government. There is a difference in age requirements. Lok Sabha members must be 25 years old or older to qualify while Rajya Sabha members must be 30 years old and older.
Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have the same job, to pass laws for the country. Ordinary bills are initiated from both Houses. Also, both Houses have the power to elect and impeach the sitting President as well as his appointed officials. The officials can include the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Court. Aside from these duties, it is also the duty of the Houses to announce and disseminate the ordinances and Constitutional amendments
In terms of power, the Lok Sabha can have the advantages. It can order a general election by issuing a vote of no confidence in the current government; introduce and pass money bills, and approve the government budget. The Rajya Sabha can only make suggestions with regard to the money bills.
The representatives of both houses are also different. The Speaker is the representative of the Lok Sabha while the Vice-President of India fills that position for the Rajya Sabha. In case of a deadlock and a joint session, the speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the session. In this event, the Lok Sabha remains powerful since they have more members compared to their counterpart House.
Summary:
1.Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are two bodies that comprise the Indian Parliament. They are the legislative branch of the Indian government, and their primary duty is to pass and enact laws for the country.
2.The majority of the members of both Houses are elected to their positions while only a minimal number are appointed. The qualifications are almost the same except for the starting age requirement. Lok Sabha accepts members who are 25 years old and above while the Rajya Sabha has a higher age requirement of 30 years and above.
3.When it comes to a deadlock, the Lok Sabha has the ability to decide the outcome since the majority of the joint sessions’ members belong to the lower house. Also, their representative, the Speaker, presides over the session.
4.Members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people while members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by state assemblies. Combined members who were appointed by the President are lower in number compared to those who were elected.