2012 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I

Question 30: Polity and Governance

Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?

aTo change the existing territory of a State and to change the name of a State
bTo pass a resolution empowering the Parliament to make laws in the State List and to create one or more All India Services
cTo amend the election procedure of the President and to determine the pension of the President after his/her retirement
dTo determine the functions of the Election Commission and to determine the number of Election Commissioners

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Two special powers belong to the Rajya Sabha alone. By a resolution supported by two-thirds of members present and voting it can empower Parliament to legislate on a State List subject in the national interest (Article 249), and it can similarly enable Parliament to create new All India Services (Article 312). Changing a State's territory or name, amending the President's election, or setting the Election Commission's functions are done by Parliament as a whole, so the Rajya Sabha has no special power in them.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: changing a State's territory or name is done by Parliament as a whole, with no special Rajya Sabha power.
  • (b) Correct: Articles 249 and 312 give these powers to the Rajya Sabha.
  • (c) Wrong: amending the President's election and fixing his pension are for Parliament as a whole.
  • (d) Wrong: the Election Commission's functions and numbers are set by Parliament as a whole.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.