UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I

Question 1: Polity and Governance

What will follow if a Money Bill is substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?

aThe Lok Sabha may still proceed with the Bill, accepting or not accepting the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha

bThe Lok Sabha cannot consider the Bill further

cThe Lok Sabha may send the Bill to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration

dThe President may call a joint sitting for passing the Bill

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject it; it can only make recommendations, and must return the Bill within 14 days. The Lok Sabha is free to accept or reject any of those recommendations and carry on; if it rejects them, the Bill is passed in its original form. If the Rajya Sabha keeps the Bill beyond 14 days, it is deemed passed by both Houses. A joint sitting never applies to a Money Bill.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct. The Lok Sabha may accept or ignore the Rajya Sabha's recommendations and proceed with the Bill.
(b) Wrong. The Rajya Sabha has no veto over a Money Bill, so the Lok Sabha can always go on.
(c) Wrong. The Lok Sabha does not have to send the Bill back; the Rajya Sabha's role is only recommendatory.
(d) Wrong. A joint sitting under Article 108 resolves deadlocks on ordinary Bills, not Money Bills.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.