Master the Indian Parliament (Sansad) for RRB NTPC, Group D & Technician: Complete Polity Guide

Introduction to Indian Parliament for RRB Exams

The Parliament of India, known as the Sansad, is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India. For aspirants preparing for the RRB NTPC, RRB Group D, and RRB Technician exams, the Indian Parliament is a cornerstone topic within the General Awareness section. It is the heart of Indian democracy, and understanding its structure, functions, and constitutional provisions is essential for every government job seeker.

As per Article 79 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament consists of three main components: the President of India, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Although the President is not a member of either house, they are an integral part of Parliament because no bill can become law without their assent.

Topic Weightage and Importance

In the General Awareness syllabus of RRB exams, Indian Polity usually accounts for 6 to 10 questions. Within Polity, the Indian Parliament is a high-weightage topic. On average, you can expect 2 to 3 direct questions from this section. These questions typically revolve around the composition of houses, age requirements for members, types of bills, and the powers of the Speaker or the Chairman.

Understanding this topic not only helps you secure marks in the written exam (CBT 1 and CBT 2) but also provides a solid foundation for understanding current affairs related to new laws, constitutional amendments, and government policies.

Key Concepts and Articles

1. The Structure of Parliament (Article 79)

The Parliament is bicameral, meaning it has two houses:

• Rajya Sabha (Upper House): Represents the States and Union Territories.
• Lok Sabha (Lower House): Represents the people of India as a whole.

2. Rajya Sabha - The Council of States (Article 80)

• Maximum Strength: 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated by the President).
• Current Strength: 245.
• Nomination: The 12 members are nominated from fields like Art, Literature, Science, and Social Service.
• Nature: It is a Permanent House; it cannot be dissolved.
• Tenure: Members are elected for a term of 6 years, with 1/3rd of members retiring every second year.
• Chairman: The Vice-President of India is the Ex-officio Chairman.

3. Lok Sabha - The House of the People (Article 81)

• Maximum Strength: 550 (formerly 552, but the 104th Amendment Act, 2019, removed the 2 Anglo-Indian nominations).
• Election: Direct election based on Universal Adult Suffrage.
• Tenure: Normally 5 years, but can be dissolved earlier by the President.
• Presiding Officer: The Speaker, elected by the members of the Lok Sabha.

4. Qualifications for Membership (Article 84)

5. Legislative Procedures and Bills

• Ordinary Bill: Can be introduced in either house. In case of deadlock, a Joint Sitting (Article 108) is called by the President and presided over by the Speaker.
• Money Bill (Article 110): Can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President. The Rajya Sabha has limited powers (can only delay it for 14 days).
• Quorum (Article 100): The minimum number of members required to transact business is 1/10th of the total strength of the house.

Solved Examples (Step-by-Step)

Example 1: Which official presides over the Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament?

Solution: The Joint Sitting is called by the President under Article 108 to resolve a deadlock between the houses. However, it is always presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In their absence, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides. If they are also absent, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha takes the chair.

Example 2: How many members are nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha?

Solution: Under Article 80, the President nominates 12 members who have special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service. This ensures that eminent persons from various fields contribute to the legislative process without going through elections.

Example 3: What is the minimum age to become the Prime Minister of India if he/she is a member of the Lok Sabha?

Solution: To become PM, a person must be a member of either house. Since the minimum age for Lok Sabha is 25 years, a 25-year-old individual who is a member of the Lok Sabha is eligible for the post of Prime Minister.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusion in Ages: Students often swap the age requirements. Remember: Lok Sabha (Younger House/People's House) = 25; Rajya Sabha (Elder's House) = 30.
• Joint Sitting Presidency: A common error is thinking the President or Vice-President presides over a joint sitting. Note: The Vice-President (Chairman of RS) never presides over a joint sitting.
• Money Bill Power: Students often think Rajya Sabha can reject a Money Bill. In reality, Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations, and the Lok Sabha is not bound to accept them.
• Anglo-Indian Nomination: Many aspirants still follow old data. Note that the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 has abolished the nomination of 2 Anglo-Indians to the Lok Sabha.

Practice Questions with Solutions

1. Which Article of the Constitution deals with the definition of a Money Bill?
2. Who has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha before the completion of its term?
3. What is the maximum gap allowed between two sessions of Parliament?
4. Which house is known as the 'Permanent House' of Parliament?
5. The 'Zero Hour' in Parliamentary proceedings starts at what time?

Answers:

• 1. Solution: Article 110.
• 2. Solution: The President of India (usually on the advice of the Council of Ministers).
• 3. Solution: 6 months.
• 4. Solution: Rajya Sabha.
• 5. Solution: It starts immediately after the Question Hour, usually at 12:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
A1: The Vice-President of India is the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Q2: Can a Bill be passed if the President refuses to sign it?
A2: The President can exercise a 'Veto'. However, if the Parliament passes the bill again (with or without changes), the President must give their assent (suspensive veto logic).

Q3: What is the 'Question Hour'?
A3: The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is devoted to questions from MPs to ministers regarding government functioning.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Mastering the Indian Parliament is vital for cracking the General Awareness section of RRB exams. Focus on remembering the specific Articles (79, 80, 81, 108, 110) and the numerical values like age limits and strengths. Make a table comparing Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for quick revision. Stay updated with the latest appointments, such as the current Speaker and Chairman. Consistent revision and practicing previous year questions will ensure you score full marks in this high-weightage topic. Good luck with your preparation!