The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is one of the two houses of the Parliament of India. It is the upper house of the parliament, with the Lok Sabha serving as the lower house. The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in the legislative process of the country, and its functions and powers are defined by the Constitution of India.
One of the main functions of the Rajya Sabha is to represent the states and union territories of India. It is composed of representatives from the states and union territories, with each state and union territory being allotted a certain number of seats based on its population. This helps ensure that the voices of all states and union territories are heard in the legislative process.
Another important function of the Rajya Sabha is to serve as a check and balance on the powers of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament. The Rajya Sabha has the power to delay the passage of bills passed by the Lok Sabha, and can even block the passage of certain bills if it so chooses. This helps ensure that important legislation is not rushed through the legislative process without proper consideration.
In addition to its legislative functions, the Rajya Sabha also plays a role in the appointment of key officials in the government, such as the Vice President, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The Rajya Sabha also has the power to remove these officials from office through a process known as impeachment.
Another important function of the Rajya Sabha is to serve as a forum for discussion and debate on important national issues. Members of the Rajya Sabha can raise questions, move resolutions, and participate in debates on a variety of issues ranging from foreign policy to economic policy. This helps ensure that the concerns and opinions of different states and regions are taken into account when making decisions that affect the country as a whole.
Overall, the Rajya Sabha plays a vital role in the legislative and political process of India. Its functions and powers help ensure that the voices of all states and regions are heard, and that important legislation is carefully considered before being passed.
Powers And Functions Of The Rajya Sabha
During the absence of the Vice-President, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the meetings. Special Powers of Rajya Sabha The Rajya Sabha, which represents States and Union territories in Parliament, is granted several specific powers by the Constitution to carry out its federal purpose. This nomination has so far been made in the case of all the ten Lok Sabhas. At the joint sitting, the deadlocks are resolved by discussions and are decided by a majority of the members of both the Houses present and voting. Ventilating of Grievances: The Lok Sabha has the important function of removing and ventilating the grievances of the people. The distribution of Rajya Sabha seats to the states and UTs is covered under the fourth schedule of the Indian Constitution. In some circumstances, a joint sitting of both Houses is possible.
Difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha has no power to pass a vote of non confidence against the Council of Ministers, while the Lok Sabha has this power. Its position is somewhat mid-way between the two. Amendment Powers of Rajya Sabha Regarding the Constitutional amendments, both of the Houses possess the same power. Its jurisdiction may include the capitals of the states on the list in an emergency. Thus, in India the Rajya Sabha has, to a great extent, justified its existence.
What are the Main Functions of Rajya Sabha?
This can be done by pulling the member to behave properly or by way of admonishing misbehaving members. You can stay one step ahead of others with our daily quizzes, mock tests, question banks and updated current affairs. On the advise of the Prime Minister, the President summons, prorogues as well as dissolves the Parliament, dissolution of course being in the case of the Lok Sabha alone. The Lower House can either reject or approve the motion to remove the Vice-President, but initiation of such a motion cannot be done. Make amendments to money bills. It can be initiated only in the Lok Sabha. Powers Of Lok Sabha Now, let us read through the powers and functions of Lok Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha: Composition, Officers and Functions
At the time of every binnial election the composition of the Rajya Sabha changes because the political party which is in power in the state at that time returns representatives belonging to it. The framers of the constitution wanted that both the Houses should have co-equal powers, except in financial matters and as already said the Rajya Sabha has justified its existence fully well. However, Congress members then trooped near the chairman's podium with placards and raised slogans against the government. Significant concepts in the polity aspect of the syllabus of UPSC are the powers of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. The Upper House cannot change it in form, though it may suggest some changes which may or may not be accepted by the Lok Sabha. Members of state legislative assemblies elect these members through the proportional representation system of election. Chavan, the then Desai Government resigned, though formally the motion was not put to vote.
