The Indian Election System, Roles & Responsibilities of
Ministers, MPs, MLAs, Panchayat Leaders, Salaries, and
the Indian Voter
1. Introduction
Since gaining independence in 1947, India has firmly rooted democracy at the core of its
governance. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and the Constituent Assembly ensured that elections became
the soul of this democratic nation. India today is not only the largest democracy in the world but
also one of the most intricate—having nearly 968 million eligible voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha
elections. These elections are more than just administrative events—they are true festivals of
democracy, where citizens reaffirm that power belongs to them.
India’s political structure functions through three tiers of government:
1. Union Government – led by the President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers,
supported by the bicameral Parliament.
2. State Governments – headed by Chief Ministers, with legislative assemblies (and
councils in some states).
3. Local Self-Governments – Panchayati Raj Institutions (rural) and Municipalities
(urban).
Each level is empowered constitutionally, with elected representatives entrusted to govern. To
preserve the integrity of elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI)—an autonomous
constitutional body—was established on 25 January 1950 to supervise and conduct elections
fairly, even amidst challenges of scale and diversity.
2. The Indian Election System
2.1 Constitutional and Legal Framework
The foundation of India’s electoral mechanism lies in Part XV of the Constitution (Articles
324–329). These articles grant the ECI authority over elections to the Parliament, State
Legislatures, and offices of the President and Vice-President.
Key laws supporting this framework include:
● Representation of the People Act, 1950 – Governs preparation and updating of
electoral rolls.
● Representation of the People Act, 1951 – Defines election conduct, qualification
criteria, disqualification grounds, and dispute redressal.
When these laws do not cover specific circumstances, the Supreme Court affirms that the ECI
holds residual powers to act in the interest of maintaining electoral fairness.
2.2 The Election Commission of India
Functioning as a permanent and independent body, the ECI has had a three-member
structure (CEC + 2 Election Commissioners) since 1993.
● Appointment & Tenure: The President appoints Commissioners for six-year terms or
until age 65, whichever is earlier. Their service conditions match those of Supreme Court
judges, ensuring independence.
● Responsibilities: The ECI oversees electoral roll creation, election conduct, party
recognition, symbol allocation, campaign expenditure monitoring, and enforcement of
the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Once elections are announced, the ECI’s authority is robust, with minimal judicial interference
until results are declared.
2.3 Scale and Conduct of Elections
Indian elections are arguably the largest organized events on earth. The 1998 general
election saw over 605 million voters, conducted across 800,000 polling stations, supported
by nearly five million officials and one million security personnel—numbers that expanded
further by 2024.
Election steps include:
1. Delimitation of constituencies for fair representation.
2. Nomination filing, with a deposit (₹10,000 for Lok Sabha; ₹5,000 for Assembly; half for
SC/ST).
3. Scrutiny and withdrawal.
4. Campaigning within MCC guidelines.
5. Voting, via EVMs equipped with VVPATs for greater transparency.
6. Counting and result declaration by Returning Officers.
2.4 Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
The MCC—operational since 1962—is a collaborative code regulating campaigns, banning
inflammatory remarks and misuse of official resources. Though not legally binding, its
enforcement by the ECI has made it a vital instrument in preserving electoral integrity.
3. The Indian Voter
Eligibility and Registration
All Indian citizens aged 18 and above on the qualifying date (usually January 1 of the revision
year) are eligible to vote, as per Article 326 of the Constitution and Section 19 of the
Representation of the People Act, 1950. Earlier, the minimum voting age was 21, reduced to
18 by the 61st Constitutional Amendment in 1989. CEO Goa
Those disqualified include individuals declared of unsound mind by a competent court or
convicted of specified electoral offences. CeoJK
Electoral Rolls & EPIC
An Electoral Roll lists all eligible voters by constituency and polling station areas. Booth-level
agents and officials update these rolls through intensive revision and corrections, often via
Forms 8 and 8A. CeoJK Powered by the mission SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and
Electoral Participation), the ECI also promotes voter awareness and literacy. Election
Commission of India
The Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), introduced in 1993, is mandatory for voting;
however, possession of EPIC only matters if one's name appears in the electoral roll. EPIC also
serves as general identity proof. Wikipedia
Special Cases: NRIs & Roll Revisions
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can register as overseas voters by submitting Form 6A online
and providing passport details. Post-registration, NRIs may cast votes via postal ballot or proxy.
Consulate General of India, Chicago
Electoral rolls undergo regular updates. For example, in Bihar, a Special Intensive Revision
(SIR) mandates proof of citizenship and birth, eliminating duplicates and ineligible entries.
Despite aiming for roll accuracy, critics warn it may disenfranchise marginalized groups due to
documentation barriers. The Times of India+1The Washington Post
4. Roles and Responsibilities of Elected Representatives
4.1 Union Ministers and the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister leads government policy and administration, as empowered by the
Constitution. Under the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers Act, 1952, Ministers receive:
● A monthly salary and constituency allowance.
● Rent-free, fully maintained furnished residences.
● Travel benefits, including 48 free air journeys per year.
● Free medical care and advances for vehicle purchase.
● Notably, Ministers forfeit any MP’s salary when receiving ministerial pay. Ministry of
Home Affairs
4.2 Members of Parliament (MPs)
India’s bicameral Parliament comprises:
● Lok Sabha – 543 elected members.
● Rajya Sabha – Members elected by State Assemblies + 12 presidential nominees.
MP duties include lawmaking, budget approval, constituency representation, and local
development through MPLADS—₹5 crore annually per MP. MPs also receive salaries (~₹1.24
lakh/month), allowances, housing, travel allowances, and pensions under the Salaries,
Allowances and Pension of MPs Act, 1954.
OR
4.2 Members of Parliament (MPs)
India’s Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the
Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Together, they represent the Union Legislature, with the
President as its formal head.
Lok Sabha
● Composition: Maximum strength is 552 (530 from states, 20 from Union Territories, and
2 Anglo-Indians nominated by the President—though this provision was abolished in
2020). Presently, the strength is 543 elected members.
● Tenure: 5 years unless dissolved earlier. In a national emergency, Parliament may
extend its term.
● Powers:
○ Initiates Money Bills (only the Lok Sabha can introduce them).
○ Exercises greater financial control (approves Union Budget, taxation, and
grants).
○ Can pass a vote of no confidence, forcing the Council of Ministers to resign.
● Election: Members are directly elected by the people of India through universal adult
suffrage on the basis of first-past-the-post voting.
Rajya Sabha
● Composition: Maximum strength of 250, of which 233 are elected by State Legislative
Assemblies through proportional representation (single transferable vote system),
and 12 are nominated by the President from fields like literature, science, art, and social
service. Current strength: 245 members.
● Tenure: It is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved. One-third of its members
retire every two years, serving six-year terms.
● Powers:
○ Shares legislative power with the Lok Sabha (except for Money Bills).
○ Approves constitutional amendments.
○ Can authorize Parliament to legislate on matters in the State List under Article
249, if it serves national interest.
○ Serves as a revising chamber, ensuring more considered debate on legislation.
● Election: Indirect, by State Legislatures, ensuring representation of states at the national
level.
Key Differences
● Lok Sabha represents the people directly, Rajya Sabha represents the states.
● Lok Sabha has greater financial powers (Money Bills, no-confidence motion), while
Rajya Sabha acts as a reviewing body with longer continuity.
● The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are collectively responsible only to the
Lok Sabha.
Responsibilities of MPs
● Legislation: Passing laws on Union and Concurrent subjects.
● Financial oversight: Especially the Lok Sabha, which approves taxation and
expenditure.
● Constituency representation: Raising local issues in debates and Question Hour.
● Developmental role: Through the MPLADS scheme, each MP gets ₹5 crore annually
for constituency works.
● Parliamentary Committees: MPs also serve on standing and ad hoc committees, which
scrutinize bills and government functioning in detail.
Under the Salaries, Allowances, and Pensions of MPs Act, 1954, MPs receive salaries (~₹1.24
lakh/month), allowances, free housing, travel concessions, and pensions, enabling them to carry
out these wide-ranging responsibilities.
4.3 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
Elected for five-year terms, MLAs legislate on state matters. They oversee government
performance, represent constituents, and manage development through MLA-LAD funds (₹2–5
crore/year depending on the state). Salaries typically hover around ₹1–2 lakh/month.
4.4 Panchayati Raj Leaders
Constitutionally recognized by the 73rd Amendment (1992), PRIs operate in three tiers:
● Gram Panchayat (village) – headed by a Sarpanch.
● Panchayat Samiti (block).
● Zilla Parishad (district).
They handle local infrastructure, execution of welfare programs like MGNREGA, and community
resource management. Funds are drawn from Central and State Finance Commissions,
centrally sponsored schemes, and local taxes. Importantly, 33% of Panchayat seats are
reserved for women, with some states increasing this to 50%.
5. Funding and Salaries: Source and Structure
5.1 Financial Structure
Salaries for Ministers, MPs, and MLAs are disbursed from government budgets. In India, this
requires precise constitutional funding mechanisms:
● All government expenses, including salaries, are paid from the Consolidated Fund of
India, per Article 266(1). Withdrawals demand Parliamentary approval.
www.bajajfinserv.inWikipedia
● Similarly, each state maintains its own Consolidated Fund for disbursements.
These funds are closely monitored and audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General
(CAG).
5.2 Specifics for Salaries
● Union Ministers & MPs: Salaries, allowances, and development grants (like MPLADS)
are allocated from the Union’s Consolidated Fund.
● State Ministers & MLAs: Compensated through the Consolidated Fund of the
respective State, pursuant to state budgets.
● This structure ensures that pay and perks are not discretionary but are legally
sanctioned and transparent.
6. Conclusion
India’s election system is a testament to democratic strength—from the grandeur of national
Parliamentary elections to the grassroots of Panchayat halls. Voters—empowered, registered,
and protected—form the heartbeat of this democratic process. Elected representatives,
enriched by sound salary systems and development funds, are accountable to the public. The
financial framework, driven by Consolidated Funds, adds legal legitimacy and fiscal discipline.
Continuing to evolve, the system invites further reforms, especially to expand inclusivity and
transparency. As the world’s largest democracy, India's electoral structure remains resilient,
participative, and ever worth preserving.
