30 May New Parliament
New Parliament
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “New Parliament”. The topic “New Parliament” has relevance in the Current Affairs section for the UPSC CSE exam.
Relevance of the topic “New Parliament”
For Prelims:
What are the features of the New Parliament?
For Mains:
What was the need of the Indian Parliament?
What is the significance of the New Parliament?
Why in the news?
The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the new Parliament building.
What are the features of the New Parliament?
- Marker of Indian Heritage: The building is a manifestation of Indian Art and Culture. Various symbols and murals used in the building are symbolic of Indian heritage. Also, the houses are themed on national symbols. For example, the Lok Sabha is themed on the National bird Peacock and Rajya Sabha is themed on National Flower Lotus.
- Large spacious building: The parliament is built in 63000 sq.km.
- Spacious Legislative Chambers:
- Lok Sabha Capacity: 888 seats (can accommodate 1272 members for the Joint Session)
- Rajya Sabha Capacity: 384 seats.
- Divyang Friendly.
- Sophisticated Sound System.
- Platinum Green rating environmentally friendly building.
What was the need of the Indian Parliament?
- Increase in the parliamentary activities and the number of people working therein and visitors have increased manifold.
- New constructions and modifications have been done in an ad-hoc manner.
- Reduced the natural light in the halls of two houses of the Parliament.
- Lack of current requirements in terms of space, amenities, and technology.
- Narrow Seating Space for MPs.
- The seating arrangements are cramped and cumbersome, with no desks beyond the second row.
- Distressed Infrastructure.
What is the significance of Parliament in democracy?
Parliament plays a vital role in a democracy as it represents the voice of the people and serves as the central institution for making laws, ensuring accountability, and promoting public discourse. It serves as a platform for citizens to elect their representatives who will voice their concerns, opinions, and interests.
One of the key significances of Parliament is its legislative function. It is responsible for drafting, debating, and passing laws that govern the country. These laws cover various aspects of society, including social, economic, and political issues. The legislative process allows for diverse perspectives to be considered, ensuring that decisions are made collectively and in the best interest of the nation.
Parliament also serves as a check on the government’s power. It provides a platform for opposition parties and members to question, challenge, and scrutinise the policies and actions of the ruling government. This oversight function ensures transparency, and accountability, and prevents any abuse or misuse of power by the executive branch.
Furthermore, Parliament acts as a forum for public debate and discussion. It allows different political ideologies, views, and interests to be represented and debated openly. This open discourse promotes inclusivity, pluralism, and encourages the exchange of ideas, leading to informed decision-making.
Another significant role of Parliament is representing the interests of the people. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected by the citizens, and they are responsible for voicing the concerns, aspirations, and needs of their constituents. They act as a bridge between the government and the citizens, conveying their grievances and advocating for their rights.
Parliament also plays a crucial role in maintaining social harmony and resolving conflicts. It provides a platform for different groups, communities, and regions to express their grievances and seek redressal through democratic means. By addressing these concerns and providing a space for dialogue, Parliament helps in fostering unity, cooperation, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
In summary, Parliament is significant in a democracy as it ensures representation, accountability, and the rule of law. It serves as a legislative body, a check on government power, a forum for public debate, and a platform for addressing the concerns of the people. Its existence strengthens democratic principles and upholds the rights and interests of the citizens it represents.
Source:
https://centralvista.gov.in/new-parliament-building.php
plutus ias current affairs eng med 30th May 2023
QUESTION FOR PRELIMS
Q.1. Consider the following statements about New Indian Parliament:
- The new Indian Parliament has a central hall for the joint sessions.
- The Lok Sabha Chamber is themed on the Lotus flower and Rajya Sabha Chamber is themed on the Peacock bird.
Which of the following statements is/are not correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER: (c)
Q.2. Parliament plays a vital role in a democracy. In this context consider the following statements :
- Parliament is a forum for the representatives of the public to voice their grievances and demand accountability from the government in power.
- In a parliamentary setup, the legislators are accountable to the council of ministers.
- The Prime Minister comes before the Speaker of Lok Sabha in the order of Precedence.
- Under Article 79 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament comprises both the houses i.e. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha only.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 3, and 4 only
ANSWER: (d)
QUESTION FOR MAINS EXAMINATION
- Explain the reasons for the decline in the functioning of the Indian Parliament. What measures should be taken to improve the performance of the Parliament?
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