UPSC Prelims 2020 Q2: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in
- (a) the matter of creating new All India Services
- (b) amending the Constitution
- (c) the removal of the government
- (d) making cut motions
Answer: (b) amending the Constitution
Explanation
Where the two Houses are equal
| Matter | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha | Equal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) Creating new All India Services | No such power | Only the Rajya Sabha can pass the resolution (Article 312) | No; it is a special power of the Rajya Sabha |
| (b) Amending the Constitution | Must pass the Bill by special majority | Must pass the Bill by special majority | Yes (Article 368) |
| (c) Removal of the government | Can pass a no-confidence motion | Cannot | No; the Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75) |
| (d) Making cut motions | Moves cut motions on Demands for Grants | Can only discuss the Budget | No |
Amendment Bills: each House must pass the Bill separately.
There is no joint sitting if they disagree.
Powers of the two Houses at a glance:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Equal | Constitution amendment, ordinary Bills, electing and impeaching the President, removing judges, approving emergencies |
| Lok Sabha stronger | Money Bills, voting on grants, no-confidence motion |
| Rajya Sabha only | Article 249 (law on a State List subject) and Article 312 (new All India Services) |
Answer: (b) amending the Constitution.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Creating new All India Services is a special power of the Rajya Sabha alone, not an equal one.
- (b) CORRECT. Both Houses have equal powers in amending the Constitution under Article 368.
- (c) Incorrect. Only the Lok Sabha can bring about the removal of the government.
- (d) Incorrect. Cut motions are moved only in the Lok Sabha.
Key point
Equal powers: constitutional amendment (Article 368, no joint sitting). Rajya Sabha only: Articles 249 and 312. Lok Sabha only: no-confidence, Money Bills, cut motions.
Remember
Amendment Bills: both Houses equal, no joint sitting.
Common mistakes
- Choosing All India Services because the Rajya Sabha has a role; the question asks where powers are equal.
- Thinking a joint sitting can settle a deadlock on an amendment Bill.
- Forgetting that the government is responsible only to the Lok Sabha.
Exam tip
Sort each option into three boxes: equal, Lok Sabha only, Rajya Sabha only. Only one option lands in 'equal'.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 75, 249, 312 and 368
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, Ch on Parliament (Position of Rajya Sabha)