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The Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha Rajya Sabha (Council of States) are the two houses of the Parliament of India. They hold pivotal roles in the legislative process, each with unique functions, compositions, and powers. The key difference between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha is as follows:
1. Composition
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Directly elected by the people of India.
- Maximum strength is 550 members: up to 528 from states, up to 20 from Union Territories.
- Members of the Lok Sabha are elected based on the population of each state and Union Territory.
- Members of Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by the members of State Legislative Assemblies and by the members of the Electoral college for Union Territories.
- The maximum strength is 250 members: up to 238 representatives of States and Union Territories, and up to 12 members nominated by the President for their expertise in specific fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
- Members for this house are allocated based on the population of each state and Union Territory, but representation is not directly proportional.
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Members serve a term of 5 years.
- This house can be dissolved by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister before the completion of its term.
- Permanent body and cannot be dissolved.
- One-third of the members retire biennially, which guarantees continuity.
- Members serve a term of 6 years.
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- The Speaker, elected by the members, presides over the Lok Sabha.
- The Deputy Speaker for this house, also elected by the members, assists the Speaker.
- It is presided over by the Vice President of India, who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- The Deputy Chairman for this house is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha from among themselves.
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- More powerful in terms of financial matters.
- Money bills are only introduced in the Lok Sabha.
- It has a significant role in the formation and dissolution of the government, as the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
- It can pass a motion of no confidence to dismiss the government.
- Plays a secondary role in financial matters.
- Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments to money bills, but the Lok Sabha can accept or reject these suggestions.
- This house has equal powers with the Lok Sabha in non-financial legislation.
- It can delay the passage of a non-money bill by a maximum of 6 months (3 months per house session and a joint sitting may be called if required).
- This house provides a forum for representing the states and Union Territories, focusing on their interests.
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Bills can originate in either house, but money bills must be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
- If a bill is rejected by the Rajya Sabha, a joint sitting of both houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) can be called to resolve the deadlock, with the decision of the joint sitting being final.
- Can initiate most bills, except money bills.
- This house plays a revising role for bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
- This house has the power to delay but not permanently block bills.
6. Key Points
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Directly elected by the public.
- Has a maximum strength of 552 members.
- Members serve a 5-year term.
- More powerful in financial matters.
- Led by the Speaker.
- This house plays a crucial role in the formation and dissolution of the government.
- Members are indirectly elected by state legislatures and nominated by the President.
- Has a maximum strength of 250 members.
- Members of this house serve a 6-year term, with one-third retiring every two years.
- Plays a secondary role in financial matters.
- Led by the Vice President of India as the Chairman.
- Represents the interests of states and Union Territories.