Why this matters now
Parliament is core polity — the composition and powers of the two Houses, the money bill vs ordinary bill distinction, the special powers of each House, and parliamentary procedure. It is examined every year.
The two Houses
| Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|
| House of the People — directly elected | Council of States — indirectly elected (by state assemblies) + 12 nominated |
| Maximum strength 552; term 5 years (can be dissolved) | Maximum 250; a permanent House (one-third retire every 2 years), not subject to dissolution |
| Presided over by the Speaker | Presided over by the Vice-President (ex-officio Chairman) |
| Controls the government (confidence/no-confidence) | Represents the states; special powers under Articles 249 & 312 |
Money bill vs ordinary bill
A Money Bill (Article 110) deals only with taxation, borrowing, or the Consolidated Fund. Key features: it can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha (on the President’s recommendation); the Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations (which the Lok Sabha may accept or reject) and must return it within 14 days; the Speaker certifies whether a bill is a money bill. An ordinary bill can start in either House and needs the agreement of both; a deadlock can be resolved by a joint sitting (Article 108) — which is not available for money bills or constitutional amendment bills.
Parliamentary devices & sessions
Parliament uses devices like the Question Hour, Zero Hour, adjournment motion, no-confidence motion, calling attention and cut motions to hold the executive to account, and works through committees (PAC, Estimates, Departmental Standing Committees). It has at least three sessions a year (Budget, Monsoon, Winter), with the maximum gap between two sessions not exceeding six months.
UPSC angle
Master the Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha contrast, the money-bill rules (Art 110, LS only, Speaker certifies, RS 14 days), and that joint sittings (Art 108) don’t apply to money or amendment bills.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two Houses of Parliament?
The Lok Sabha (House of the People, directly elected) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States, indirectly elected plus 12 nominated members).
What is a money bill?
A bill under Article 110 dealing only with taxation, borrowing or the Consolidated Fund. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes within 14 days, and the Speaker certifies it.
What is a joint sitting?
Under Article 108, a joint sitting of both Houses can resolve a deadlock on an ordinary bill; it does not apply to money bills or constitutional amendment bills.
Why is the Rajya Sabha called a permanent House?
Because it is not subject to dissolution — one-third of its members retire every two years, so it has continuity.