Parliamentary Groups

A parliamentary group, also known as a parliamentary party or caucus, is comprised of members belonging to the same political party or electoral coalition within a legislative body, such as a parliament or city council.

The Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) was established as an independent entity following a resolution passed by the Constituent Assembly (Legislative) on August 16, 1948.

Why IPG?

• Inter-parliamentary relations are crucial in the contemporary globalized world due to shared challenges faced by different parliaments.
• To facilitate open discussions and collaboration, India maintains links with foreign parliaments through mechanisms such as the Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG).
• The IPG serves as both the National Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Indian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
• Through exchanges of delegations, goodwill missions, and document sharing, the IPG fosters communication and cooperation among parliaments worldwide.

Composition

• Membership to the IPG is available to all Parliament members, with former members also allowed to join as associate members, albeit with restricted rights.
• Associate members do not have the privilege to attend meetings and conferences of the IPU and CPA, nor do they receive travel concessions provided to regular members by certain branches of the CPA.
• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds the position of the IPG’s ex-officio president.
• The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha serve as the IPG’s ex-officio vice-presidents.
• The secretary general of the Lok Sabha also serves as the IPG’s ex-officio secretary-general.

Objective

1. Facilitate interpersonal connections among Parliament members.
2. Examine pertinent public issues anticipated in Parliament; organize seminars, debates, and training sessions; and publish materials to inform Group members.
3. Coordinate talks on political, defense, economic, social, and educational matters led by Parliament members.
4. Coordinate international trips to foster relationships with other global legislative bodies.

Functions of IPG

1. The Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) serves as a bridge between the Indian Parliament and parliaments worldwide through goodwill missions and delegations.
2. It facilitates addresses by foreign heads of states and governments to members of the Indian Parliament, along with talks by distinguished individuals.
3. IPG organizes seminars and symposia on parliamentary topics at national and international levels.
4. Members of the IPG receive letters of introduction to IPU and CPA branches when traveling abroad, ensuring assistance and courtesies from respective national groups.
5. Indian Parliamentary Delegations comprise members with at least six months’ standing in the Parliamentary Group at the time of delegation composition.

Also read about Parliamentary Forums and Parliamentary Committees.