Parliamentary Form of Government in India

The parliamentary form of government in India is a democratic system where the President of India is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. It is based on the British model of governance, with a bicameral legislature and a cabinet responsible to the lower house of parliament. The parliamentary system in India has several key features and functions that contribute to the functioning of the government.

1. Bicameral Legislature:
India has a bicameral legislature consisting of two houses - the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories, while the Lok Sabha represents the people directly elected by them. Both houses play a crucial role in lawmaking, policy formulation, and oversight of the government.

2. Prime Minister and Council of Ministers:
The Prime Minister is the head of government and exercises executive powers. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is the leader of the political party or coalition with a majority in the Lok Sabha. The Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and aids in the governance of the country.

3. Parliamentary Committees:
Parliamentary committees play a vital role in overseeing the functioning of the government and examining specific issues. These committees are formed to scrutinize bills, review policies, and conduct inquiries. Some important committees include the Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, and Committee on Public Undertakings.

4. Question Hour and Debates:
The parliamentary system provides a platform for elected representatives to raise questions, seek clarifications from the government, and engage in debates. The Question Hour is a significant feature where Members of Parliament can pose questions to ministers and hold them accountable for their actions.

5. Vote of Confidence:
In a parliamentary form of government, the government's stability is tested through a vote of confidence. If the government loses the majority support in the Lok Sabha, it has to resign. This mechanism ensures that the government enjoys the trust and confidence of the elected representatives.

6. Judicial Independence:
While the parliamentary form of government provides a framework for the executive and legislative branches, it also upholds the principle of judicial independence. The judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution and has the power of judicial review to ensure the adherence to constitutional principles.

In conclusion, the parliamentary form of government in India is a cornerstone of the democratic system. It promotes accountability, transparency, and participation among the elected representatives. The system allows for effective governance, lawmaking, and oversight, ensuring the well-being and progress of the nation.