Parliamentary proceedings: Sessions, motions, committees

1. Sessions of Parliament

1. The President of India summons and prorogues the sessions of Parliament (Article 85).
2. There are three major sessions each year: Budget Session (February to May), Monsoon Session (July to September), and Winter Session (November to December).
3. The gap between two sessions must not exceed six months.
4. The first sitting of each session includes the President's address to the joint session (Article 87).

2. Types of Motions

1. Adjournment Motion: Introduced to discuss a matter of urgent public importance, it interrupts normal business.
2. No-Confidence Motion: Aimed at removing the Council of Ministers by expressing a lack of confidence in the government.
3. Censure Motion: Criticizes specific policies or actions of the government but does not lead to its removal.
4. Cut Motion: Proposed during budget discussions to reduce or cut specific budgetary allocations.
5. Calling Attention Motion: Allows members to bring urgent matters to the notice of the government.

3. Parliamentary Committees

(a) Standing Committees

1. These are permanent committees that function throughout the year.
2. Examples include Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, and Committee on Public Undertakings.
3. They examine reports of government departments, financial irregularities, and the implementation of policies.

(b) Ad Hoc Committees

1. These are temporary committees constituted for a specific purpose.
2. They are dissolved once their task is completed.
3. Examples include the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and Select Committees on specific bills.

4. Question Hour

1. Held during the first hour of each parliamentary sitting, it allows members to ask questions of the executive.
2. Questions are classified into Starred (oral answers) and Unstarred (written answers).
3. It ensures accountability and transparency in government functioning.

5. Zero Hour

1. It begins immediately after Question Hour and lasts for about an hour.
2. Members can raise matters of urgent public importance without prior notice.
3. It is an informal innovation of the Indian Parliament.

6. Legislative Process

1. A bill must pass through three readings in each House before becoming a law.
2. Legislation can be classified into ordinary bills, money bills, and constitutional amendment bills.
3. After passage, bills require the President's assent to become laws.

7. Role of the Speaker

1. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha maintains order and decorum during proceedings.
2. The Speaker decides on the admissibility of questions, motions, and debates.
3. In case of a tie, the Speaker has the casting vote.

8. Joint Sessions

1. A joint session is convened when there is a deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on a bill (Article 108).
2. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint session.
3. It is rarely invoked and has been used for key legislations like the Banking Service Commission Repeal Bill.

9. Importance of Parliamentary Procedures

1. They ensure systematic discussion and decision-making on national issues.
2. They promote transparency and accountability of the executive.
3. Committees play a crucial role in examining policies and monitoring their implementation.

Conclusion

The proceedings of Parliament reflect its democratic essence and provide a structured platform for addressing national and public issues. Through sessions, motions, and committees, Parliament ensures accountability, transparency, and participatory governance.