Introduction to the Parliament of India for RRB Exams
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India. It is a bicameral legislature consisting of the President and two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). For aspirants preparing for Indian Railway Recruitment Board exams such as RRB NTPC, RRB Group D, and RRB Technician, questions from Indian Polity, especially concerning the Parliament, frequently appear in the General Awareness and General Science sections. Understanding its composition, powers, and legislative procedures is crucial for clearing the cut-off.
Topic Weightage and Importance
In RRB exams, General Awareness constitutes a major chunk of the computer-based tests (CBT). Within Indian Polity, the Parliament of India is a high-yield topic. Candidates can expect 2 to 3 direct or indirect questions in RRB NTPC and Group D shifts. Questions typically test fundamental articles, qualifications of members, maximum strength of houses, and the law-making process. Mastering this topic ensures you secure easy marks that can make a substantial difference in your final merit score.
Key Concepts and Articles
The structure and functioning of the Indian Parliament are detailed in Part V (Articles 79 to 122) of the Constitution of India. Let us break down the key components:
- Article 79: Constitution of Parliament. There shall be a Parliament for the Union which shall consist of the President and two Houses to be known respectively as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
- Article 80 (Rajya Sabha): Maximum strength is 250 (238 elected from States and UTs, 12 nominated by the President for their expertise in art, literature, science, and social service). Currently, the strength is 245. It is a permanent body not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every second year.
- Article 81 (Lok Sabha): Maximum strength is 550 (530 from states, 20 from UTs). Previously, 2 Anglo-Indian members were nominated, but this was discontinued via the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019. Currently, the strength is 543. Its normal term is 5 years unless dissolved earlier.
- Article 100: Voting in Houses, power of houses to act notwithstanding vacancies and quorum. Quorum is one-tenth of the total number of members of each House ($1/10^{th}$).
- Article 108: Joint sitting of both Houses in certain cases, summoned by the President and presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- Article 110: Definition of "Money Bills". Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President.
Solved Examples (Step-by-Step)
Let us practice some standard multiple-choice questions frequently asked in previous RRB examinations.
Example 1
Question: Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament?
Solution:
Step 1: Recall the constitutional provisions related to parliamentary procedures.
Step 2: Article 108 provides for a joint sitting of both Houses in cases of deadlock over a non-money bill.
Step 3: Remember that the joint sitting is summoned by the President and presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Answer: Article 108
Example 2
Question: What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha as per the Constitution of India?
Solution:
Step 1: Check the constitutional cap for the Lower House.
Step 2: According to Article 81, the maximum strength is fixed at 550 members.
Step 3: Keep in mind the recent removal of Anglo-Indian nomination seats.
Answer: 550 members
Example 3
Question: Who presides over the joint sitting of the two Houses of the Parliament?
Solution:
Step 1: Identify the presiding officers of the Parliament.
Step 2: While the Vice President chairs the Rajya Sabha, joint sittings require a unified chair.
Step 3: According to Article 118(4), the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over a joint sitting.
Answer: Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha (250) and Lok Sabha (550).
- Believing that Money Bills can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha; remember they originate strictly in the Lok Sabha.
- Forgetting that the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved.
- Assuming the Vice President of India is a member of the Rajya Sabha; the Vice President acts as the ex-officio Chairman without being a member of the house.
Practice Questions with Solutions
Q1: Who has the power to prorogue the sessions of Parliament?
A) Prime Minister
B) President
C) Speaker of Lok Sabha
D) Vice President
Solution: B. The President of India from time to time prorogues the houses under Article 85.
Q2: What is the minimum age required to become a member of the Rajya Sabha?
A) 21 years
B) 25 years
C) 30 years
D) 35 years
Solution: C. The minimum age is 30 years for Rajya Sabha and 25 years for Lok Sabha.
Q3: A Money Bill passed by the Lok Sabha must be returned by the Rajya Sabha within how many days?
A) 7 days
B) 14 days
C) 30 days
D) 60 days
Solution: B. Rajya Sabha has limited powers over Money Bills and must return them within 14 days.
Q4: Who decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not?
A) President of India
B) Finance Minister
C) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
D) Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Solution: C. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the final authority to certify a bill as a Money Bill.
Q5: Which Constitutional Amendment Act ended the nomination of Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha?
A) 101st Amendment
B) 103rd Amendment
C) 104th Amendment
D) 105th Amendment
Solution: C. The 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, \textended reservation for SC/STs and discontinued Anglo-Indian nominations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are questions from the Indian Parliament asked in RRB Group D?
A: Yes, fundamental static GK questions regarding parliamentary articles, seats, and age limits frequently feature in RRB Group D CBT exams.
Q: Can a non-member of Parliament be appointed as a Minister?
A: Yes, a person can be appointed as a Minister, but they must become a member of either House of Parliament within six months of appointment.
Q: What is the quorum required to transact business in Parliament?
A: The quorum is one-tenth ($1/10^{th}$) of the total number of members in each house.
Conclusion and Final Tips
Mastering the Parliament of India is essential for cracking the General Awareness section of RRB exams. Focus on memorizing key articles, qualifications, tenure limits, and specific legislative powers. Revise these notes regularly, practice previous years' questions, and stay consistent with your preparation. Good luck with your RRB exam journey!
