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The Lok Sabha is a group of people who make important decisions for our country. These people are elected by citizens through voting, and everyone who is an adult can vote. In India, the law allows for a maximum of 550 members in the Lok Sabha. Out of these, 530 represent different states, and 20 represent Union Territories. Currently, there are 543 members in the Lok Sabha who were elected by the people.
The Lok Sabha’s term, or the time it stays in power, is typically five years from the day it first starts working. However, if there is an emergency situation, like a big crisis, the Lok Sabha can decide to extend its term for up to one year at a time. But this extension cannot go beyond six months after the emergency ends.
History of Lok Sabha
A significant part of India was under British rule from 1858 to 1947. During this time, the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy of India, along with the Council of India, were in charge of governing India on behalf of the British Parliament. The Indian Councils Act of 1861 established a Legislative Council with both official and non-official members. The Indian Councils Act of 1892 created legislatures in British India’s provinces and expanded the powers of the Legislative Council. Despite these changes, Indian representation in the government was limited.
In 1909, the Indian Councils Act allowed some Indians to participate in various councils. The Government of India Act in 1919 further increased Indian involvement in administration by establishing the Central Legislative Assembly. The Government of India Act in 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and proposed a federal structure.
On July 18, 1947, the Indian Independence Act was passed, dividing British India into two independent countries, India and Pakistan. The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950, officially making India a sovereign, democratic republic.
According to Article 79 of the Indian Constitution, the Indian Parliament consists of the President of India, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). The Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, was first formed on April 17, 1952, following the first General Elections held from October 25, 1951, to February 21, 1952.
How many members in Lok Sabha?
The Lok Sabha, which is a part of the Indian Parliament, has a total of 545 members. These members represent different areas of India. Here’s a breakdown of how these members are chosen:
- State Representatives: 530 members are elected from various states of India. Each state sends its own group of representatives to the Lok Sabha, and the number of representatives a state sends depends on its population and size.
- Union Territories: 13 members come from Union Territories. Union Territories are areas of India that are not full-fledged states but still have representation in the Lok Sabha.
- Nominated Members: The President of India nominates 2 members to the Lok Sabha. These members belong to the Anglo-Indian community, which is a small minority community in India.
List of Lok Sabha Members/ State/ Union Territories
| Name of State/ Union Territory | Number of Lok Sabha Seats | |
| States | Andhra Pradesh | 25 |
| Assam | 14 | |
| Bihar | 40 | |
| Chhattisgarh | 11 | |
| Gujarat | 26 | |
| Haryana | 10 | |
| Jharkhand | 14 | |
| Karnataka | 28 | |
| Kerala | 20 | |
| Madhya Pradesh | 29 | |
| Maharashtra | 48 | |
| Odisha | 21 | |
| Punjab | 13 | |
| Rajasthan | 25 | |
| Uttar Pradesh | 79 | |
| Tamil Nadu | 39 | |
| Telangana | 17 | |
| West Bengal | 42 | |
| Manipur | 2 | |
| Goa | 2 | |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 2 | |
| Meghalaya | 2 | |
| Himachal Pradesh | 4 | |
| Mizoram | 1 | |
| Nagaland | 1 | |
| Sikkim | 1 | |
| Tripura | 2 | |
| Uttrakhand | 5 | |
| Union Territories | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 1 |
| Chandigarh | 1 | |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | 2 | |
| Daman & Diu | 1 | |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 5 | |
| Ladakh | 1 | |
| Lakshadweep | 1 | |
| NCT of Delhi | 7 | |
| Puducherry | 1 |
Sessions of Lok Sabha
- Budget Session (February to May):
- The Budget Session of Lok Sabha typically takes place from February to May.
- It’s a crucial session where the national budget is discussed and approved.
- Lawmakers scrutinise government financial proposals during this time.
- Autumn or Monsoon Session (July to August):
- The Autumn or Monsoon Session is conducted from July to August in Lok Sabha.
- During this session, various legislative matters are addressed.
- It’s an opportunity for MPs to deliberate on important issues concerning the country.
- Winter Session (November to December):
- The Winter Session is held in Lok Sabha from November to December.
- It’s the last session of the calendar year, where multiple bills and policies are debated.
- MPs use this time to voice their concerns and contribute to decision-making.
Evolution of Lok Sabha Overtime
| Lok Sabha | Commenced Date | Prime Minister |
| First | 13 May 1952 | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Second | April 1957 | |
| Third | April 1962 | Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri |
| Fourth | March 1967 | Indira Gandhi |
| Fifth | March 1971 | |
| Sixth | March 1977 | Morarji Desai and Charan Singh |
| Seventh | January 1980 | Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi |
| Eighth | December 1984 | Rajiv Gandhi |
| Ninth | December 1989 | V. P. Singh and Chandra Shekhar |
| Tenth | June 1991 | P. V. Narasimha Rao |
| Eleventh | May 1996 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee, H. D. Deve Gowda and I. K. Gujral |
| Twelfth | March 1998 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee |
| Thirteenth | October 1999 | |
| Fourteenth | May 2004 | Manmohan Singh |
| Fifteenth | May 2009 | |
| Sixteenth | May 2014 | Narendra Modi |
| Seventeenth | May 2019 |
Lok Sabha Member Eligibility Criteria in India
- Minimum Age: To become a Lok Sabha member in India, you must be at least 25 years old.
- Indian Citizenship: Only individuals with Indian citizenship are eligible to contest elections.
- Voter Registration: Your name must be registered as a voter in any part of the country to be eligible.
- Legal Standing: To qualify, you should not have a criminal conviction, outstanding debts, or any legal restrictions preventing your participation.
- Lok Sabha Membership: Learn the essential requirements for becoming a part of India’s Lok Sabha.
- Who Can Join Lok Sabha: Discover the eligibility criteria for Lok Sabha members in India.
- Lok Sabha Qualifications: Find out the necessary conditions for aspiring Lok Sabha candidates.
- Age and Citizenship: The age and citizenship requirements to represent the people in Lok Sabha.
- Lok Sabha Candidate Rules: Stay informed about the rules governing Lok Sabha membership.
- Lok Sabha Member Eligibility: Explore the criteria for individuals aspiring to be Lok Sabha members.
Power of Lok Sabha
In India, the Lok Sabha, or the lower house of Parliament, wields significant powers when it comes to the country’s finances and governance. It exclusively holds the authority to introduce money bills, crucial for budgetary matters. Once passed, these bills are sent to the Rajya Sabha, where they are open for debate for up to 14 days. If the Rajya Sabha doesn’t reject the bill or if no action is taken within the given time frame, the bill moves forward. Moreover, the Lok Sabha is where the Finance Minister, representing the President, presents the annual budget, a pivotal moment in the nation’s financial planning. In addition, as long as the Lok Sabha has confidence in the Council of Ministers, they can continue to govern effectively. These powers underscore the Lok Sabha’s critical role in India’s legislative and financial decision-making processes.
Conclusion
The Lok Sabha, a crucial part of India’s democratic system, consists of 545 members who represent the diverse regions of the country. They are elected by the people, and the Lok Sabha plays a pivotal role in decision-making, especially in financial matters and governance. The Lok Sabha has a significant impact on India’s legislative processes, and its sessions throughout the year are essential for discussing and approving key policies and budgets. With a rich history dating back to the country’s independence in 1950, the Lok Sabha remains a symbol of India’s commitment to democracy and representation. To be part of the Lok Sabha, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring a fair and just representation of the Indian population.
Lok Sabha FAQs
What is the Lok Sabha in India?
The Lok Sabha is a group of people in India who make important decisions for the country. They are elected by citizens through voting, and it's where laws are made.
How many members are there in the Lok Sabha?
There are a total of 545 members in the Lok Sabha. They represent different parts of India.
What is the Lok Sabha's power in India?
The Lok Sabha holds significant power in India, especially in financial matters. It can introduce money bills, and it's where the annual budget is presented. As long as it has confidence in the Council of Ministers, they can govern effectively.
How are members of the Lok Sabha elected?
Lok Sabha members are elected by citizens through voting. Each state sends its representatives based on its population, and the President nominates two members from the Anglo-Indian community.
What is the role of Union Territories in the Lok Sabha?
Union Territories, which are areas of India with a special status, have 13 representatives in the Lok Sabha. They contribute to the decision-making process.
