Lok Sabha - Continued

 Lok Sabha - Continued

> Due to the recent reorganization of constituencies, the number of seats for SC and ST in the Lok Sabha has increased by 3. [Reservations]

    * SC seats: Previously 79, currently 84.
    * ST seats: Previously 41, currently 47.

>> Lok Sabha members take their oath of office as per Article 99, before the President or an authority appointed by them.

» The 'quorum' of members required to conduct Lok Sabha sessions: 1/10th.

>> The Indian Parliament has the authority to determine the 'quorum' number [Article 100].

>> To be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, a party must secure a minimum of 1/10th of the total members.

>> First recognized Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha:

    - Y.B. Chavan [Congress]: 6th Lok Sabha (1977)

» The recognized Leader of the Opposition is accorded Cabinet Minister status.

» 14th Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition: L.K. Advani

    15th Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition: Sushma Swaraj

> 14th & 15th Lok Sabha Leaders of the House: Pranab Mukherjee

Minimum Qualifications to Contest in Parliament Elections:

* Must be a citizen of India.

* Must not hold any office of profit under the Central or State Governments.

* Must be of 25 years of age to contest for Lok Sabha, and 30 years of age for Rajya Sabha.

* Deposit to be paid: ₹25,000 for General Category candidates; ₹12,500 for SC, ST candidates.

* Must not have been sentenced to imprisonment for 2 years or more.

* Must not be working as a Director in a company with 25% government investment.

* Must not have been convicted under the 1989 SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

* Must not have been convicted under the 1976 Civil Rights Act.

* Must not have been disqualified for failing to submit an audit report regarding election expenses to the Election Commission.

* Must not have been disqualified by the Election Commission for violating the Representation of the People Act.