With reference to the Union Parliament, answer the following questions:
What is meant by the term 'Session'? Name the three Sessions of the Union Parliament.
Topic: Sessions of Parliament
Answer
A SESSION is the period during which a House of Parliament meets to conduct its business — from the day the President summons it until it is prorogued. Members meet, pass Bills, ask questions and discuss the affairs of the state. Six months may not intervene between one session and the next, so Parliament must meet at least twice a year.
The three sessions are: (1) The BUDGET SESSION (February to May) — the longest and most important, in which the Union Budget is presented. (2) The MONSOON SESSION (July to August). (3) The WINTER SESSION (November to December).
Four marks: about one for the definition and one for each session. Give the MONTHS with each session; the names alone are worth less, and papers often ask which session falls in given months. The definition should include the summoning and proroguing, both acts of the President — and the six-month rule is worth adding, since it explains why Parliament must meet regularly.