The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative authority, responsible for making laws, overseeing the government, approving budgets, and representing the people. It plays a crucial role in shaping national policies and ensuring executive accountability. The powers and functions of Parliament can be broadly categorized into legislative, financial, executive, electoral, judicial, and representative functions.

1. Legislative Powers

The primary function of Parliament is to make, amend, or repeal laws. Under Article 246, it has the power to legislate on subjects in the:

• Union List (e.g., defense, foreign affairs)
• Concurrent List (e.g., education, criminal law)
• State List (in special cases, like during a national emergency)

Example:

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 was passed by Parliament to abrogate Article 370 and reorganize Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

2. Constitutional Amendment Powers

Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution under Article 368. Amendments can be made with:

• A simple majority (for minor changes)
• A special majority (two-thirds of both Houses)
• State ratification (for federal structure changes)

Example:

The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 introduced a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in education and government jobs.

3. Financial Powers

Parliament controls the nation’s finances and has the authority to:

• Approve the Union Budget and Finance Bills (Article 110)
• Levy and collect taxes
• Monitor government spending

Example:

The Union Budget 2024-25, outlining the government’s revenue and expenditure, was presented and passed by Parliament.

4. Electoral Functions

Parliament plays a key role in electing national leaders, including:

• The President of India (along with state legislatures)
• The Vice-President of India
• The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
• The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

5. Executive Oversight

Parliament ensures government accountability through:

• Debates and discussions on national issues
• Question Hour, where MPs can ask ministers about their policies
• Motions of no confidence, which can remove the government

Example:

Parliament held extensive debates on the government’s handling of COVID-19, questioning policies and relief measures.

6. Representative Functions

As a democratic institution, Parliament represents the interests of the people. MPs voice public concerns in legislative debates, influencing government decisions.

Example:

During discussions on the Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, MPs raised issues affecting farmers and agricultural policies.

7. Judicial Powers

Parliament has the power to:

• Impeach the President (Article 61)
• Remove the Vice-President (Article 67)
• Impeach Supreme Court and High Court judges (Article 124)

Example:

There have been impeachment motions against judges, though none have been successfully passed in recent times.

Conclusion

The Indian Parliament plays a crucial role in law-making, governance, financial management, and executive accountability. Its powers ensure a democratic, transparent, and effective government. Strengthening parliamentary debates and ensuring better legislative participation can further enhance its effectiveness.