Formation and structure of the Parliament of India : 

In any democratic system of government, there are three organs of the govemment-Legislature Executive, and Judiciary. Legislature in different countries, is known by different names. Legislature in India is called Parliament (Sansad). The Parliament of India is formed by the article 79 of the constitution of India: “There would be a Parliament for the Indian union, which would be consisted of the President and two Houses named: Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha”. In section V, articles 79-122 of the constitution, formation, structure, tenure, rights, and powers of the Parliament have been mentioned.

I. The Lok Sabha : 

Formation and structure of the Lok Sabha can be explained as follows:

(a) Number of members : 

The Lok Sabha is the Lower House of India’s bicameral Parliament. By the 31st constitutional amendment 1974, the maximum number of the members of the Lok Sabha can be 552, out of which 530 members will be elected from different states, 20 members from the union territories and 2 members from the Anglo- Indian community will be nominated by the President.

At present the total number of the members is 545, out of which 530 members are elected from different states and 13 members are elected from the Union Territories, and two members are nominated by the President of India.

(b) Election : 

The members of the Parliament are directly elected by the people on the basis of universal suffrage. Some seats are reserved for scheduled caste and scheduled tribes candidates. 

(c) Tenure : 

The Lok Sabha is not a permanent house. Basically its tenure is 5 years. On the advice of the Prime Minister and the council of Ministers, the President can dissolve it any time. 

(d) Qualifications of the members : 

The following qualifications are essential to be a member of the Lok Sabha: 

1. He must be a citizen of India 

2. His minimum age must be 25 years or above. 

3. He should not be holding any office of profit under the government of India or any state government 

4. He should not be insolvent or mentally retarded or declared an offender by any court. 

5. He should possess the qualifications prescribed by the Parliament as per the law. 

(e) officials : 

The Lok Sabha members elect a speaker and a deputy speaker from among themselves. The speaker presides over the sittings of the Lok Sabha. In absence of the speaker, the Deputy speaker executes all his functions. The members are called MPs.

II. The Rajya Sabha : 

The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Parliament. Its formation and structure is as follows : 

(a) Number of Members : 

The Rajya Sabha was formed under article 80 of the constitution. According to it, its total number of members will be 250, of whom 12 members will be nominated by the President. These members should be having special knowledge or practical experience in the field of literature, science, art, or social service. Remaining 238 members are elected from the states and the Union Territories. Although, the total number of members of the upper house at present is fixed 245, out of which 229 members are elected from different states and four members are elected from the Union Territories, While 12 members are nominated by the President. 

(b) Election : 

According to article 80(4) of the constitution, the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of the state in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. It means member of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the people indirectly. 

(c) Tenure : 

The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house. The tenure of its members is 6 years. Its 1/3 members are retired after every two years, and 1/3 new members are elected. 

(d) Qualification of the Members : 

To be the member of the Rajya Sabha, the minimum age of the candidate must be 30 years. And rest of the qualifications are same as required to be the member of the Lok Sabha. 

(e) officials : 

The Vice-President of India is the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha who presides over its sessions and conducts its other activities. Besides the chairman, a deputy- chairman is also appointed in the Rajya Sabha, who is elected from amongst the house members. He presides over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha in absence of the Chairman.