Question

Write two special powers of the Rajya Sabha.

Hint:

Remember the specific article numbers for these special powers: Article {249} for legislating on the State List and Article {312} for creating All-India Services. Mentioning the articles adds weight to your answer.

Answer 1

Step 1: Key Concept:
While the Lok Sabha is more powerful in many respects (especially in financial matters), the Indian Constitution grants certain exclusive or special powers to the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). These powers are given to the Rajya Sabha to protect the rights and interests of the states in India's federal system.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Two special powers of the Rajya Sabha are:
1. Power to make laws on State List subjects (Article 249):
- The Rajya Sabha can declare, by a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest that Parliament should make laws with respect to any matter enumerated in the State List.
- Once such a resolution is passed, the Parliament becomes empowered to legislate on that state subject for a period of one year (which can be extended). This is a significant power as it allows the Union to legislate on state matters with the consent of the council representing the states.
2. Power to create new All-India Services (Article 312):
- The Rajya Sabha can initiate the process for the creation of a new All-India Service (like the IAS, IPS).
- If the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, declaring that it is necessary in the national interest to do so, Parliament can by law provide for the creation of one or more all-India services common to the Union and the states.
- This power is given to the Rajya Sabha to ensure that the states have a say in the creation of services that will operate in their jurisdiction.