UPSC Prelims 2020 · Question 32 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Rajya Sabha Equal Powers
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2020
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicParliament
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in
Show answer
Answer: B. amending the Constitution
Verdict
Correct answer: amending the Constitution → Option (b).
Analysis
The powers and status of the Rajya Sabha are equal to that of the Lok Sabha in the following matters: introduction and passage of ordinary bills; introduction and passage of Constitutional amendment bills; introduction and passage of financial bills involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India; election and impeachment of the President; election of the Vice-President.
Statement by statement
Option (a) – INCORRECT: Creating new All India Services is a power of Rajya Sabha alone under Article 312, not equal.
Option (b) – CORRECT: Constitutional amendment bills require passage by both Houses with equal status.
Option (c) – INCORRECT: Removal of the government (no-confidence motion) is the exclusive power of Lok Sabha. Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to Lok Sabha.
Option (d) – INCORRECT: Cut motions on financial demands can be moved only in Lok Sabha as Rajya Sabha has no power over Money Bills.
Extra UPSC info
Powers exclusive to Lok Sabha — Money Bills, cut motions, no-confidence. Powers exclusive to Rajya Sabha — Article 249 (legislation on State List), Article 312 (creation of AIS), removal of Vice-President initiation.