Context:
Union Cabinet has cleared the proposal to hold simultaneous elections in India, as recommended by Kovind committee with 15 amendments to the Constitution of India.
Constitution Amendment Bill:
- Article 368 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to amend the Constitution by addition, variation, or repeal of any provision.
- The Bill to amend the Constitution of India can be introduced in either House of Parliament
- Can be introduced by a minister or a private member
- Doesn’t requires President’s prior permission for the introduction.
- Required Majority – To pass the bill, a special majority is required in each House
- More than half of the total membership of the House must vote for the bill.
- At least 2/3rd of the members present and voting must also vote for it.
- Passing the Bill –
- Each House must pass the bill separately.
- There is no provision for joint sitting
- Certain bills must also be ratified by at least half of the State Legislatures.
- After both Houses of Parliament pass the bill, and the State Legislatures ratify it where necessary, the bill is presented to the President for assent.
- Once the bill is passed by both Houses of Parliament, the President is obliged to give assent to it.
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
(b) determine the boundaries between states
(c) determine the powers, authorities, and responsibilities of Panchayats
(d) protect the interests of all the border States
Answer: (a)
