INTRO – WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS Institutions are systems or structures that help the government work properly.They are like the engine parts of a big machine called government. Institutions keep our democracy organized, smooth, and trustworthy. This chapter explains – how one major government decision moves through different institutions — from making it, approving it, to checking it. It helps us see democracy in action, not just on paper. OFFICE MEMORANDUM An Office Memorandum (O.M.) is a formal government document.It contains orders, instructions, or decisions issued by the Government of India. It is written in an official format and carries the authority of the Government of India. The famous office memorandum was issued on 13 August 1990. *MANDAL COMMISSION -The Mandal Commission was a government-appointed committee created to find out: -It is officially known as ‘Second Backward Classes Commission’ –Year of formation: 1979 –Formed by: Prime Minister Morarji Desai –Chairperson: B.P. Mandal -After studying thousands of villages, towns, and communities, the Commission concluded: -The Mandal Commission recommended the 27% reservation for Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) in central government jobs and public sector services. -For almost 10 years, the recommendations were not applied. -Finally in 1990, Prime Minister V.P. Singh decided to implement 27% reservation for OBCs. This decision was officially announced in the famous Office Memorandum (13 August 1990) -The reservation decision was challenged in the Supreme Court. This case was known as the ‘Indira Sawhney and others Vs Union of India case’. –In the Indra Sawhney Case (1992), the Supreme Court: This balanced both social justice and merit. DECISION MAKERS In a democracy like India, no single person takes decisions alone.Every major government decision goes through a chain of important people and institutions. This “team” of decision makers includes: NEED FOR POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS Political institutions are the building blocks of our government. They help the country run in an organized, fair, and efficient way. They are like the engine that drives the whole system of democracy. There are some reasons on why are political institutions Necessary: 1. To Take Decisions for the Country Important issues like education, health, defence, budget, and welfare schemes need proper decision-making.Political institutions help decide what should be done for the nation. 2. To Implement Those Decisions Decisions become meaningful only when they are put into action.Institutions like ministries and civil servants implement government policies on the ground. 3. To Resolve Disputes and Maintain Peace Courts and other institutions settle conflicts between – People, States, and Government bodies. This keeps society calm, fair, and orderly. 4. To Make Democracy Function Smoothly Democracy needs rules, procedures, and transparency.Institutions prevent misuse of power and ensure that leaders remain accountable. 5. To Distribute Power Fairly No single person runs the whole country. Power is divided among – Parliament (law-making), Executive (implementation), and Judiciary (interpretation). This protects freedom and prevents dictatorship. PARLIAMENT Parliament is the heart of Indian democracy. It is where laws are made, the government is challenged, and citizens’ opinions are heard. It acts as the bridge between the government and the people.If India were a machine, Parliament would be the control room. *Functions of Parliament Following are the main Functions of Parliament: 1. Law Making Parliament makes laws on national issues like education, environment, defence, technology, etc. 2. Controlling the Government Parliament checks whether the government is working properly or not through – Question Hour, Debates, Motions, and No-Confidence Motion. 3. Representing the People Members speak on behalf of their states and constituencies.Parliament reflects the voice of India. 4. Approving the Budget Government cannot spend money without Parliament’s approval.This keeps expenses transparent and accountable. 5. Discussing National Issues Inflation, unemployment, safety, defence, floods — Parliament discusses everything that matters to citizens. *The Two Houses of Parliament Basis of Difference Lok Sabha (House of the People) Rajya Sabha (Council of States) Meaning Lower house of Parliament; represents the people of India Upper house of Parliament; represents the states and union territories Members Maximum 552 members Maximum 250 members Election Method Members are directly elected by the people Members are indirectly elected by State Legislative Assemblies; some nominated by President Term 5 years (unless dissolved earlier) Permanent House; not dissolved. 1/3rd members retire every 2 years Presiding Officer Speaker of Lok Sabha Chairman (Vice-President of India) Representation Represents the population of India Represents the states of India Powers in Money Matters Has more power; Money Bill can only be introduced in Lok Sabha Has limited power; cannot reject a Money Bill, only suggest changes Control over Government Can remove the government through a No-Confidence Motion Cannot pass a No-Confidence Motion Age Requirement Minimum age: 25 years Minimum age: 30 years Role in Law Making More powerful; final say in most matters Cannot overrule Lok Sabha in joint sessions Dissolution Can be dissolved Cannot be dissolved (permanent house) *Why Lok Sabha Is More Powerful The following are the points that show how Lok Sabha is more powerful than Rajya Sabha: 1. Lok Sabha Represents the People Directly Members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by citizens. This makes Lok Sabha the true voice of the people. Rajya Sabha represents states, not people directly. So in matters related to public interest, Lok Sabha has a stronger role. 2. Lok Sabha Controls the Government The Council of Ministers (including the Prime Minister) is responsible only to the Lok Sabha. 3. More Power in Money Matters Money Bills deal with government spending, taxes, budget, etc. According to the Constitution: 4. Joint Sessions Favor Lok Sabha If both houses disagree on a law, a joint session is called.In a joint session, the number of Lok Sabha members is much larger than Rajya Sabha. It will Results that Lok Sabha’s opinion almost always wins. 5. Lok Sabha Can Be Dissolved, Rajya Sabha Cannot Lok Sabha’s term is 5 years. It keeps Lok Sabha directly answerable to the people, giving it more democratic power. Rajya Sabha is permanent and cannot be dissolved. POLITICAL EXECUTIVE Every country needs people who take decisions and others…
Read More