Question

What are the legislative and financial powers of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer 1

Hint: The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States is the upper house of the Union Parliament. Even though it is the Upper House of the Parliament, it enjoys fewer powers than the Lok Sabha.

Complete Step by Step Answer: The Council of States or Rajya Sabha performs a variety of functions. 1. Legislative functions – The Rajya Sabha is an integral part of the Indian Parliament. Since the main responsibility of the parliament is to make laws, so the Rajya Sabha takes part in the making of such laws. Except for Money Bills, all bills can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. None of the bills can become a law unless agreed to by both Houses of the Parliament. In case of conflict between the two houses of the Parliament, a joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
2. Financial powers – In financial matters, the Lok Sabha is the house which enjoys a pre-eminent position. The Rajya Sabha has not been given any substantial power with regard to financing. No Money Bill or Financial Bill can first be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. It is the privilege of the Lok Sabha to pass the Money Bill first and send it to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendation. The Lok Sabha might not accept the recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha. In case, the Rajya Sabha within a period of 14 days fails to return the bill, the bill is taken to have been passed by the Parliament.

Note: One should note confuse itself with the powers and functions of Rajya Sabha with that of the Lok Sabha. The other functions of the Rajya Sabha are executive, amendment, electoral, judicial and miscellaneous powers. In addition, the Rajya Sabha also has two exclusive powers.