UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I
Question 2: Polity and Governance
Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Article 368 requires a constitutional amendment Bill to pass each House by a special majority, and there is no joint sitting to resolve a disagreement, so Rajya Sabha is fully equal to Lok Sabha here. In other fields it is weaker or special: only Rajya Sabha can start the creation of an All-India Service (a two-thirds resolution, Article 312), the Council of Ministers answers only to Lok Sabha, and money matters, including cut motions, belong to Lok Sabha.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: Rajya Sabha holds a special power here, a two-thirds resolution under Article 312, not an equal one.
- (b) Right: both Houses must pass an amendment under Article 368, with no joint sitting.
- (c) Wrong: the government is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha alone and falls only on its no-confidence vote.
- (d) Wrong: cut motions are moved in Lok Sabha on demands for grants; Rajya Sabha only recommends on money Bills.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.