Contrast the powers and functions of the Lok Sabha with those of the Rajya Sabha. (10M, 150 words) (GS-2 Governance)

Introduction

• The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature consisting of three parts: The President, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
• The Rajya Sabha represents the states of the Indian Union, while the Lok Sabha represents the people of India as a whole.

Body

Shared Powers and Responsibilities

• Ordinary Bills: Both houses participate in the passing of ordinary bills.
• Constitution Amendment: Both houses must pass constitutional amendments.
• Impeachment of the President: Both houses can participate in the impeachment process.
• Removal of Judges: Both houses are involved in the removal of Judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court.

Special Powers of the Lok Sabha

• Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha can remove the Council of Ministers by passing a no-confidence motion.
  • Example: In 1979, the Lok Sabha passed a no-confidence motion against the Morarji Desai government, leading to its resignation.
• Money Bill: A Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject it; it must return the bill to the Lok Sabha within 14 days, with or without recommendations.
  • Example: The Finance Bill, 2017 was a Money Bill introduced and passed by the Lok Sabha.
• Financial Bill: Financial bills that do not solely pertain to Article 110 can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, but both houses have equal powers regarding their passage.
• Speaker’s Powers: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over joint sittings and decides if a bill is a Money Bill.
• Budget Voting: Only the Lok Sabha can vote on demands for grants in the budget.
  • Example: The Union Budget is presented and voted upon in the Lok Sabha.
• National Emergency: Only the Lok Sabha can pass a resolution for discontinuing a national emergency.

Special Powers of the Rajya Sabha

• State List Legislation: The Rajya Sabha can authorize Parliament to legislate on a subject in the State List.
  • Example: In 1986, the Rajya Sabha passed a resolution allowing Parliament to legislate on the State List subject of preventive detention.
• All India Services: The Rajya Sabha can authorize the creation of new All India Services.
  • Example: The Rajya Sabha authorized the creation of the Indian Forest Service in 1963.
• Removal of Vice-President: The Rajya Sabha can initiate a motion for the removal of the Vice-President.

Conclusion

• The Rajya Sabha serves as a revising chamber and a safeguard against hasty legislation, ensuring federal balance.
• The Lok Sabha, with its direct representation of the people, wields significant powers, especially in financial matters.
• Both houses together play a crucial role in maintaining the democratic and federal structure of India.