Question map
Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?
Explanation
The Constitution of India confers specific exclusive powers on the Rajya Sabha that are not shared with the Lok Sabha. Under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution, supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, empowering Parliament to make laws with respect to any matter enumerated in the State List in the national interest [3]. Additionally, under Article 312, the Rajya Sabha has the special power to authorize the Parliament to create one or more All-India Services common to the Union and the States [3]. Other functions, such as changing state territories or names (Article 3), amending presidential election procedures (Article 54), or determining the service conditions of the Election Commission (Article 324), are either shared powers of both Houses or fall under the executive domain of the President [4].
Sources
- [3] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 23: Parliament > Equal Status with Lok Sabha > p. 259
- [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 74: Public Services > All-India Services > p. 545
- [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 23: Parliament > Special Powers of Ra;ya Sabha > p. 260
- [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Equal Status with Lok Sabha > p. 259