Q1. Explain the powers and functions of members of the Indian Parliament.

Ans. The Indian Parliament is composed of two houses, the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). Members of both houses have different powers and functions, which are explained below:

Powers and Functions of Lok Sabha Members:

Members of the Lok Sabha are elected directly by the people of India and represent their constituencies in Parliament.

They have the power to participate in the legislative process by introducing bills, asking questions, and participating in debates on various issues.

Members of the Lok Sabha can also move a vote of no confidence against the government, which can result in the fall of the government.

They can also participate in the process of forming and overseeing government policies, as well as scrutinizing the government’s actions and decisions.

Powers and Functions of Rajya Sabha Members:

Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies, and are not directly accountable to the people.

They have the power to review and propose amendments to bills passed by the Lok Sabha, and to initiate legislation on subjects under the State List of the Constitution.

Members of the Rajya Sabha also participate in the legislative process by asking questions, participating in debates, and voting on bills.

The Rajya Sabha also plays an important role in the appointment of members to important constitutional positions such as the President, Vice President, and members of the judiciary.

In summary, members of the Indian Parliament have the power to participate in the legislative process, scrutinize government policies and actions, and propose legislation. They play an important role in shaping the laws and policies that affect the lives of the Indian people.

Q2. Evaluate the structure and functions of urban self government in India.

Ans. The structure and functions of urban self-government in India are governed by the 74th Amendment to the Indian Constitution, which came into effect in 1993. The amendment provides for the establishment of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which are responsible for the governance of urban areas in India. The ULBs can be classified into three categories: Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats.

Structure of Urban Self Government in India:

Municipal Corporations: These are established in large urban areas with a population of more than one million. They are governed by a Mayor and a Council, consisting of elected members from different wards of the city.

Municipal Councils: These are established in smaller urban areas with a population of less than one million. They are governed by a President and a Council, consisting of elected members from different wards of the city.

Nagar Panchayats: These are established in areas that are in transition from rural to urban, and have a population of less than 20,000. They are governed by a Chairman and a Council, consisting of elected members.

Functions of Urban Self Government in India:

The ULBs have the following functions:

Basic services: The ULBs are responsible for providing basic services such as water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, and street lighting.

Infrastructure development: The ULBs are responsible for the development of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, parks, and playgrounds.

Urban planning: The ULBs are responsible for preparing and implementing plans for the development of the city.

Revenue generation: The ULBs generate revenue through property taxes, user charges, and other fees.

Social welfare: The ULBs are responsible for providing social welfare services such as health, education, and housing.

Evaluation:

The structure and functions of urban self-government in India have undergone significant changes since the 74th Amendment was introduced. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed.

Inadequate resources: The ULBs face a severe resource crunch, which limits their ability to provide basic services to citizens.

Weak institutional capacity: Many ULBs lack the institutional capacity to plan and implement development projects effectively.

Political interference: The ULBs are often subject to political interference, which affects their functioning and efficiency.

Lack of citizen participation: The ULBs need to involve citizens in the planning and decision-making process, but citizen participation is often limited.

In conclusion, the structure and functions of urban self-government in India provide a framework for local governance, but there are several challenges that need to be addressed. To ensure effective urban governance, it is necessary to provide adequate resources, strengthen institutional capacity, reduce political interference, and increase citizen participation.

Q3. Describe the process of law-making in Indian Parliament.

Ans. The process of law-making in the Indian Parliament involves several steps, which are outlined below:

Introduction of a Bill: A Bill is a proposed law that is introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha by a Member of Parliament (MP). A Bill can also be introduced by a Minister on behalf of the government.

First Reading: After the Bill is introduced, it goes through the first reading, where it is presented to the House without any debate or discussion.

Second Reading: During the second reading, the Bill is scrutinized and debated by the MPs. They can suggest amendments to the Bill, which are then taken into consideration.

Committee Stage: The Bill is then referred to a standing committee or a select committee of the House. The committee studies the Bill in detail and consults with experts and stakeholders to make recommendations for further amendments.

Report Stage: The committee submits its report to the House, which then discusses and debates the recommendations made by the committee.

Third Reading: The Bill is then taken up for the third reading, where it is debated and voted upon clause by clause.

Passage of the Bill: If the Bill is passed by a simple majority in both Houses, it is sent to the President for his assent. If the President gives his assent, the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament and is published in the Gazette of India.

Implementation: Once the Act is passed, it becomes law and is implemented by the concerned authorities.

It is important to note that the process of law-making in the Indian Parliament can take a significant amount of time, depending on the complexity of the Bill and the level of debate and scrutiny involved. However, this process is essential to ensure that laws are well thought out and reflect the needs and aspirations of the Indian people.

Q4. Discuss the role of Standing Committee in reviewing a bill.

Ans. Standing Committees are permanent committees of the Parliament of India that are responsible for examining the legislative proposals and scrutinizing various policy matters. They are constituted by the Parliament from time to time, and their membership comprises Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

When a Bill is introduced in Parliament, it is referred to a Standing Committee for examination and report. The Standing Committee studies the Bill in detail and examines its various provisions, considering the views of experts, stakeholders, and other interested parties. The role of the Standing Committee in reviewing a Bill is as follows:

Scrutinize the provisions of the Bill: The Standing Committee studies the Bill clause by clause, examining each provision in detail and considering its implications.

Hear from stakeholders and experts: The Standing Committee invites stakeholders and experts to provide their views on the Bill, and seeks their inputs on how it can be improved.

Suggest changes and amendments: Based on its study and inputs from stakeholders and experts, the Standing Committee suggests changes and amendments to the Bill, which can help improve its effectiveness.

Prepare a report: Once the Standing Committee completes its study, it prepares a report on the Bill, which includes its findings, recommendations, and suggested amendments.

Submit the report to Parliament: The Standing Committee submits its report to Parliament, which discusses its findings and recommendations. The report is then taken into consideration during the subsequent stages of the legislative process.

The role of the Standing Committee in reviewing a Bill is crucial, as it ensures that the proposed legislation is examined thoroughly and all aspects are considered before it is passed. The Standing Committee system provides a forum for wider consultation and helps to ensure that the Bill is more effective, efficient, and representative of the needs and aspirations of the people.

Q5. Analyze the role of parliamentary committees in reviewing government finances.

Ans. Parliamentary Committees play an essential role in the review of government finances in India. These Committees are constituted by Parliament and are responsible for scrutinizing various aspects of government functioning, including the management of public finances. The role of parliamentary committees in reviewing government finances is as follows:

Budgetary scrutiny: The Parliamentary Committees, especially the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee, examine the budgetary proposals of the government, including the revenue and expenditure estimates, tax proposals, and allocation of funds for different programs.

Performance scrutiny: The Committees examine the performance of the government in implementing various programs and schemes, and ensure that public funds are being used efficiently and effectively.

Financial management scrutiny: The Committees review the financial management practices of the government and ensure that they are in line with the accepted norms and standards.

Investigation of financial irregularities: The Committees investigate cases of financial irregularities, fraud, and corruption, and make recommendations for corrective action.

Monitoring of implementation: The Committees monitor the implementation of their recommendations by the government, and take necessary follow-up action to ensure that corrective measures are taken.

Overall, the role of parliamentary committees in reviewing government finances is critical to ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance. By scrutinizing the budgetary proposals, examining the performance of the government, and investigating financial irregularities, these committees ensure that public funds are being used efficiently and effectively, and that the government is accountable to the people for its financial management practices.

Q6. Describe the budget making process in India. Examine role of the Parliament in reviewing the Union budget.

Ans. The budget making process in India is a complex and elaborate process that involves several stages. The following is an overview of the budget making process in India and the role of the Parliament in reviewing the Union budget:

Budget Formulation: The budget formulation process in India begins in August-September with the Ministry of Finance asking all other Ministries and Departments to submit their proposals for the upcoming financial year. These proposals are consolidated by the Ministry of Finance and a draft budget is prepared.

Approval by the Cabinet: The draft budget is then presented to the Union Cabinet for approval. The Cabinet examines the proposals and makes changes as deemed necessary.

Presentation of the Budget: The Finance Minister presents the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, on the first working day of February.

Discussion and Voting: After the presentation of the budget, a general discussion takes place in the Lok Sabha. Members of Parliament can make suggestions and proposals for changes to the budget. After the discussion, a vote is taken on the budget proposals.

Passage of the Budget: If the budget is passed by the Lok Sabha, it is then presented to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations on the budget proposals and has no power to amend them. If the Rajya Sabha approves the budget or does not take any action within 14 days of receiving it, the budget is deemed to have been passed by both Houses of Parliament.

Implementation: Once the budget is passed, it is implemented by the government, which allocates funds for various programs and schemes.

The Parliament plays a crucial role in reviewing the Union Budget. The Lok Sabha, being the primary legislative body, has the power to scrutinize the budget proposals and suggest changes. Members of Parliament can ask questions to the Finance Minister during the budget session and make proposals for amendments. The Lok Sabha can also refer the budget proposals to the Standing Committees for detailed scrutiny and recommendations.

The Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee of the Parliament also play a crucial role in the review of the budget. The Public Accounts Committee examines the expenditure of the government and ensures that public funds are used efficiently and effectively, while the Estimates Committee examines the budget proposals in detail and makes recommendations for their improvement.

Overall, the Parliament’s role in reviewing the Union budget is critical to ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in the management of public finances in India.

Q7. Discuss the different types of media and analyze their significance for legislators.

Ans. There are several types of media, including print media, broadcast media, and digital media, which are significant for legislators in many ways.

Print Media: Print media includes newspapers, magazines, and journals. Print media has a wide reach and is still a popular medium of communication, especially in rural areas. Legislators can use print media to reach out to their constituents, inform them about their activities and initiatives, and raise public awareness about issues of public concern.

Broadcast Media: Broadcast media includes radio and television. Broadcast media has a wide reach, and its impact is immediate and powerful. Legislators can use broadcast media to reach a large audience and convey their message effectively. They can use radio and television programs to inform people about their activities and initiatives, and participate in talk shows and debates to discuss issues of public concern.

Digital Media: Digital media includes social media, websites, and blogs. Digital media has emerged as a powerful medium of communication in recent years. Legislators can use digital media to connect with their constituents, engage with them, and inform them about their activities and initiatives. They can use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to reach out to a larger audience and communicate their message effectively.

The significance of different types of media for legislators can be analyzed in the following ways:

Legislative Agenda: Legislators can use different types of media to promote their legislative agenda, highlight their achievements, and inform their constituents about the work they are doing.

Constituency Outreach: Legislators can use different types of media to connect with their constituents, gather feedback, and address their concerns.

Public Accountability: Legislators can use different types of media to maintain public accountability and transparency, by informing people about the use of public funds, and providing regular updates on their activities and initiatives.

Political Campaigning: Legislators can use different types of media to campaign for political office, mobilize voters, and build their political image.

In conclusion, different types of media are significant for legislators, as they provide them with a platform to communicate with their constituents, promote their legislative agenda, maintain public accountability, and engage in political campaigning. It is essential for legislators to use these different types of media effectively to build a strong and effective relationship with their constituents and the public.

Q8 Write short notes on any two of the following:

a Zila Parishad

Ans. Zila Parishad is a local government body in India, which is responsible for the administration of rural areas at the district level. It is the apex body of the Panchayati Raj system, which is a three-tier system of governance in India that includes Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level.

Zila Parishad is responsible for the planning and execution of various developmental programs and schemes in rural areas, including those related to agriculture, rural infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare. It also plays a critical role in the implementation of central and state government programs and schemes in rural areas.

The functions of Zila Parishad can be broadly categorized into the following:

1. Planning: Zila Parishad is responsible for the preparation of district plans and the allocation of resources for various development programs and schemes.

2. Implementation: Zila Parishad is responsible for the implementation of various developmental programs and schemes in rural areas, including those related to agriculture, rural infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Zila Parishad is responsible for monitoring the progress of various development programs and schemes in rural areas and evaluating their impact.

4. Financial Management: Zila Parishad is responsible for managing the finances of the Panchayati Raj system in the district, including the collection of revenues, disbursement of funds, and maintenance of accounts.

The members of Zila Parishad are elected by the people through a direct election process. The Chairperson of Zila Parishad is also elected by the members of the Parishad. The term of the Zila Parishad members and Chairperson is five years.

In conclusion, Zila Parishad is an important local government body in India, responsible for the administration of rural areas at the district level. It plays a crucial role in the planning and execution of various developmental programs and schemes in rural areas, and in the implementation of central and state government programs and schemes. The success of the Panchayati Raj system in India largely depends on the effective functioning of Zila Parishad.

Q8 b Zero Hour

Ans. In the Indian parliamentary system, Zero Hour is a term used to refer to the time during which MPs can raise issues of urgent public importance in the Parliament. It is an important mechanism that provides an opportunity for MPs to highlight issues that require immediate attention and action by the government.

The Zero Hour is held every day in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, immediately after the Question Hour, which is the first hour of the proceedings of the house. It generally lasts for around 30 minutes, but the duration can be extended if the Chairperson of the house allows it.

During the Zero Hour, MPs can raise issues of urgent public importance by giving a notice to the Speaker or Chairperson of the house. The issues that can be raised during the Zero Hour can be related to any matter of public importance, such as problems faced by the public, natural calamities, or any other issue that requires immediate attention.

The Zero Hour is significant in the Indian parliamentary system, as it provides an opportunity for MPs to raise issues of public importance that require immediate attention and action by the government. It is also a way for the government to gauge the concerns and issues of the public, and to take appropriate measures to address them.

In conclusion, the Zero Hour is an important mechanism in the Indian parliamentary system that provides an opportunity for MPs to raise issues of urgent public importance in the Parliament. It is a significant platform for highlighting issues that require immediate attention and action by the government, and for the government to understand the concerns and issues of the public.

Q8 c Types of Committees

Ans. In the Indian parliamentary system, there are various types of committees that are constituted to facilitate the functioning of the Parliament and to perform various functions. Some of the important committees are:

1. Standing Committees: These committees are permanent committees that are constituted by the Parliament to examine and report on various bills and other issues related to different ministries and departments of the government. Standing committees are formed in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

2. Select Committees: These committees are constituted for a specific purpose and for a limited duration. They are formed to examine and report on specific bills, subjects or issues that are referred to them by the House.

3. Joint Committees: These committees are constituted jointly by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to examine and report on matters of common interest. Joint committees are formed for a specific purpose and for a limited duration.

4. Ad-hoc Committees: These committees are constituted for a specific purpose and for a limited duration. They are formed to examine and report on specific bills, subjects or issues that are referred to them by the House.

5. Business Advisory Committee: This committee is constituted to regulate the business of the House and to allocate time for the discussion of various issues.

6. Committee on Privileges: This committee is constituted to examine the matters related to the privileges of the members of Parliament.

7. Committee on Public Accounts: This committee is constituted to examine and report on the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

8. Estimates Committee: This committee is constituted to examine and report on the estimates of the government.

9. Committee on Petitions: This committee is constituted to examine the petitions received from the public and to recommend appropriate action.

In conclusion, these are some of the important committees that are constituted in the Indian parliamentary system to facilitate the functioning of the Parliament and to perform various functions. These committees play a critical role in scrutinizing the work of the government, in examining and reporting on various bills, subjects and issues, and in ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.

Q8 d Print Media

Ans. Print media refers to the traditional means of mass communication that disseminates news and information through printed publications such as newspapers, magazines, and journals. Print media has been one of the most important and widely used mediums for spreading information and news in India for decades. Some of the significance and characteristics of print media are:

1. Credibility: Print media enjoys a high level of credibility and trust among readers. The articles and news published in newspapers and magazines are often fact-checked and verified before being published, which enhances their credibility.

2. Reach: Print media has a broad reach and is accessible to a vast majority of people in India. It is available in various languages and can be read in different parts of the country.

3. Depth: Print media provides in-depth coverage of news and issues, providing readers with detailed information and analysis that can help them understand complex issues.

4. Archival value: Printed publications have a long shelf life, and their archives provide a rich source of information for researchers and scholars.

5. Variety: Print media provides a wide range of information, from news to opinion pieces, reviews, and features.

Print media has played an essential role in shaping public opinion and promoting democracy in India. It has been instrumental in raising awareness about important issues, highlighting the problems faced by people, and advocating for social justice and political change. It has also provided a platform for diverse voices and opinions, contributing to a vibrant public discourse.

However, with the advent of digital media, print media has faced numerous challenges in recent years. The decline in print circulation and advertising revenue has forced many publications to shut down or reduce their operations. Nonetheless, print media continues to play an essential role in the Indian media landscape, providing readers with reliable and credible news and information, and contributing to a vibrant and diverse public sphere.