The Study provides analytical information about the work done by the Eighth Lok sabha (15 January 1985 to 27 November 1989), during its 14 sessions. The work of Parliament is not only varied in nature but also tremendous in volume. The image of Parliament and its Credibility as a representative institution largely depends  on the role and functions of its Members. The present study, inter alia, depicts the socio-economic background of members of the Eighth Lok sabha and their participation in the activities of the House, its committees, etc. some of the noteworthy features of the Eighth Lok sabha were the Passing of as many as 333 Bills (including two important constitutional amendments relating to banning defections by legislators and reduction in the voting age from 21 to 18years ) ad answering of a staggering number of 98, 390 Questions in the House.

There were also several important procedural developments during the term of the Eighth Lok sabha. Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok sabha, adopted in1952, were subjected to a comprehensive review for the first time to bring them in conformity with the actual practice that had been evolved over the years through rulings from the chair, precedents, conventions, etc. certain consequential amendments to ‘Directions by the Speaker, Lok sabha’ were made. From the angle of strengthening administrative accountability to Parliament, the most historic procedural development was the setting up of three new standing subject committees – one each on Agriculture, Science & Technology and Environment & Forests. These Parliamentary committees would ensure a Constant, concurrent and in depth examination of the working of concerned ministries/ Department/ allied organizations. Distinguished members of Parliament and other experts have contributed articles on these and several other  aspects based on their rich and long experience.

The publication will be of Great value to researchers, parliamentarians and all those interested in the working of parliamentary institutions.

Part I – Articles

• Eighth Lok Sabha – A General Survey

• Socio – Economic Background of Lok Sabha Members

• Eighth Lok Sabha: Speaker Jakhar’s Rulings

• Committee of Privileges – Eighth Lok Sabha: Somnath Chatterjee

• Whipping Less: Saifuddin Chaudhary

• Focus on the  Need to change: Amal Datta

• The Press, Parliament and Parliamentarians – Some Reflections: Dinesh Goswami

• Procedural Initiatives, Innovations and Development – the Eighth Lok Sabha (1985-1989) : Dr Subhash C.  Kashyap, Secretary General, Lok Sabha

• Committee System in Lok Sabha – Recent Developments

• Public Accounts Committee

• Estimates Committee

• Committee on Public Undertakings

• Committee on Subordinate Legislation

• Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

• Committee on Papers Laid on the Table

• Select/Joint committees on Bills

• Private Members’ Business in the Eighth Lok Sabha

• Joint committee on Office of Profit

• The Indian Hansard

• Simultaneous Interpretation in Lok Sabha

• Parliament Library, Reference, Research, Documentation and Information Services (LARRDIS) 

Part II – Statistical Statements

• Constitution  & Composition of Lok  Sabha

• Sessions of Lok Sabha 

• Members and Ministers

• Questions

• Legislation

• Motions, Resolutions, etc.

• Privilege Matters

• Suo Motu /statements/Papers Laid on the Table

• Committees and Conferences

• Visitors to Parliament

• Orientation and Training in Parliamentary Procedures

• Parliamentary Archives, Printing and Sale of Publications

Appendix