Question 26 from UPSC CSE 2020 - POLITY & GOVERNANC E

Question

Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. amending the Constitution

Strategy: The strategy focuses on identifying the specific constitutional provisions that mandate equal approval from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Option B, concerning amending the Constitution, requires equal parliamentary consent as per Article 368. Other options represent scenarios where either Lok Sabha holds predominant power (e.g., removal of government, cut motions) or Rajya Sabha possesses special, unequal powers (e.g., initiating new All India Services). Therefore, only constitutional amendment matters demonstrate true parity between the two Houses.

Key Info: Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha possess equal powers when passing constitutional amendment bills, as stipulated by Article 368 of the Indian Constitution. For an amendment to pass, both Houses must approve it by a special majority, meaning not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, and a majority of the total membership.

In contrast, certain matters show a clear predominance of one House. For instance, the removal of the government through a motion of no-confidence involves only the Lok Sabha, as the Council of Ministers is solely and collectively responsible to it. Similarly, cut motions, designed to reduce demands for grants in the annual budget, are exclusive to the Lok Sabha, which exercises primary control over public finances.

The creation of new All India Services (Article 312) is a special power vested solely in the Rajya Sabha. It can initiate this process by a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting, thereby excluding the Lok Sabha from equal power in this specific area.

Other powers and functions where Rajya Sabha generally shares parity with Lok Sabha include the introduction and passage of most types of bills (excluding money bills), the election and impeachment of the President, the approval of national emergencies, and the consideration of reports from various constitutional bodies. However, for constitutional amendments, the equality in power between both houses is absolute.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: the matter of creating new All India Services

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: the removal of the government

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: making cut motions