Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Rajya Sabha, often referred to as the Council of States, was initially conceived by the framers of the Indian Constitution as a check on the hasty decisions of the directly elected Lok Sabha and to provide representation to states. For a long time, it was perceived as a ‘useless stepney tyre’ – a secondary chamber with limited power. However, over the past few decades, the Rajya Sabha has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a crucial and often decisive organ of the Indian Parliament. This shift is attributable to a confluence of political and constitutional factors, making it a more assertive and influential body in the legislative process.
Factors Contributing to the Transformation
Several factors have contributed to the Rajya Sabha’s enhanced role:
- Coalition Politics: The era of coalition governments, particularly from the 1990s onwards, necessitated consensus-building and negotiation. The Rajya Sabha, with its diverse representation of regional parties, became a critical forum for securing support for legislation.
- Increased Legislative Scrutiny: The Rajya Sabha has increasingly asserted its right to scrutinize bills in detail, often sending them back to the Lok Sabha with amendments. This has led to improvements in legislation and prevented the passage of poorly drafted laws.
- Representation of States: The Rajya Sabha provides a platform for states to voice their concerns and protect their interests. This is particularly important in a federal structure like India, where states have diverse needs and priorities.
- Constitutional Amendments: Many crucial constitutional amendments require ratification by at least half of the state legislatures, and the Rajya Sabha plays a vital role in initiating and passing these amendments.
- Rise of Regional Parties: The growing influence of regional parties in state politics has translated into greater representation and influence in the Rajya Sabha.
Areas Where Transformation is Visible
The transformation of the Rajya Sabha is evident in several key areas:
- Passage of Key Legislation: The Rajya Sabha has played a pivotal role in the passage of landmark legislation such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Constitution Amendment Act, 2016, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, and the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. In many cases, these bills underwent significant amendments in the Rajya Sabha before being passed.
- Policy Influence: The debates and discussions in the Rajya Sabha often shape public opinion and influence government policy. The standing committees of the Rajya Sabha conduct in-depth studies of various issues and submit reports with recommendations to the government.
- Holding the Executive Accountable: The Rajya Sabha effectively holds the executive accountable through questions, debates, and discussions. Members of Parliament raise important issues of public concern and seek answers from the government.
- Impeachment Proceedings: The Rajya Sabha has the power to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President of India, although this power has rarely been exercised.
- Select Committee Scrutiny: The increasing referral of bills to Select Committees of the Rajya Sabha demonstrates a greater emphasis on detailed scrutiny and consensus-building.
Comparative Analysis: Powers of Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha
| Feature | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Money Bill | Exclusive power | Can delay by 14 days |
| Constitutional Amendment Bill | Initiates & Passes | Requires ratification by states |
| No-Confidence Motion | Can move | Cannot move |
| Joint Sitting | Participates | Participates |
Conclusion
The Rajya Sabha’s journey from a perceived ‘stepney tyre’ to a vital supporting organ reflects the evolving dynamics of Indian politics and governance. Its increased assertiveness, coupled with its unique role in representing states and scrutinizing legislation, has made it an indispensable part of the parliamentary system. While challenges remain, such as ensuring effective participation and preventing disruptions, the Rajya Sabha’s continued evolution is crucial for strengthening Indian democracy and promoting inclusive development. The future will likely see the Rajya Sabha playing an even more prominent role in shaping the nation’s legislative agenda and holding the government accountable.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.