'The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House.' In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity?

critical role of upper House

(1) Prevents hasty passage of Bills and adds another layer of deliberations. Ex: CAA-NRC; op. sindoor, etc

(2) provides voice to experts who may not wish to fight elections. Ex: Dr Jaishankar

(3) Provide voice to states in parliament; upholding federal spirit.

(4) upholding ministerial and Executive Accountability via committees, motions, etc.

(5) Additional powers to R.S

5.1 Art. 249 → legislating on state subjects

5.2 Art 312 → new All India services

5.3 Removal of VP can be initiated here only.

(6) R.S. has kept zero hour before Question hour to allow dissent and reduce logjams.

(7) continuous chamber: To not get affected by Political considerations of Confidence Bill etc.

Is Rajya Sabha rivaling Lok sabha?

(1) Alleged partisan conduct of Presiding officer by opposition.

(2) Reduced Efficiency (~42%)

(3) Heavy disruptions and frequent adjournments.

(4) R.S. mps are expected to behave like 'Eldermens'

(5) Neglect of committees

5.1 → Hasty passage 5.2 → Limited time to deliberate

(6) political sloganeering; etc.

Structural challenges of R.S.

(7) can't directly hold Executive accountable via No Confidence motion.

(8) Limited financial powers (Art 110, Art 112 → LS Speaker)

(9) speaker of LS presides over joint sessions.

(10) Lok Sabha has more important committees like Estimates committee