UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 30 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Rajya Sabha Special Powers
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicParliament
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?
Show answer
Answer: B. To authorize Parliament to legislate on State List and create All India Services.
Verdict
Correct Answer: To authorize Parliament to legislate on State List and create All India Services
Analysis
Rajya Sabha represents the states in the Indian federal system. Therefore, the Constitution gives it certain special powers related to State List subjects and All India Services.
1. Authorizing Parliament to legislate on State List — Correct
Under Article 249, Rajya Sabha can authorize Parliament to make laws on a State List subject in the national interest.
This requires a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
2. Creating All India Services — Correct
Under Article 312, Rajya Sabha can authorize the creation of one or more All India Services.
This also requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
3. Altering state boundaries — Incorrect
Alteration of state boundaries is done by Parliament under Article 3.
It is not an exclusive special power of Rajya Sabha.
4. Amending Presidential election procedure — Incorrect
This requires a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
It is not a special power exclusively given to Rajya Sabha.
Extra UPSC info
* Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and is not subject to dissolution.
* It represents the states and Union Territories at the Union level.
* Removal resolution of the Vice-President must originate in Rajya Sabha under Article 67.
* Rajya Sabha can approve emergency proclamations when Lok Sabha is dissolved.
How to crack it
Rajya Sabha’s special powers include authorizing Parliament to legislate on State List subjects and creating All India Services, reflecting its federal role as the Council of States.