The newly elected Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a resolution, moved by the Chief Minister himself, on April 1 in a special session seeking the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab.
With this, the ‘Chandigarh question’ has resurfaced, but this time it occupies the national spotlight.
Establishment of Chandigarh
Chandigarh is described as a ‘planned city’ emblematic of ‘Nehruvian modernity’.
It is a greenfield city, which was commissioned by the government in independent India to replace Lahore, which went to Pakistan after Partition, as the capital of Punjab.
Designed by Le Corbusier in association with Pierre Jeanneret, it is located on the foothills of the Shivalik Himalayas on village land acquired from what was then the Kharar tehsil of Ambala district.
It was the capital of undivided Punjab from its inauguration in 1953 till 1966.
Bifurcation of Punjab and Common Capital
Under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 following the Punjabi Suba movement, Haryana was carved out of the Hindi-speaking regions as a separate State.
The hill regions of Punjab were merged with what was then the Union Territory (UT) of Himachal Pradesh.
Chandigarh was made a UT and has remained the joint capital of Haryana and Punjab with State assets divided between Punjab and Haryana in a ratio of 60:40.
What is the Chandigarh issue?
Since 1966, the lack of full rights to its capital has remained a vexed issue in Punjab politics.
All the governments and most political parties of Punjab have regularly raised the demand for Chandigarh.
It has featured in all major developments, whether it is the 1973 Anandpur Sahib resolution, Dharam Yudh Morcha (then separatist movement) and the 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord.
Since 1966, the Punjab Assembly has passed at least six such resolutions with the last being in 2014 under the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party (SAD-BJP) government.
The Centres’ opposition to the latest Assembly resolution is the first time a political party has taken a contrarian stand.
What is different this time?
The immediate provocation this time has been two recent decisions of the Central government: breaking allies with erstwhile govt and withdrawal of farm laws.
The Centre also amended the rules governing the functioning of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), constituted under the 1966 Act.
It changed the eligibility criteria for the two full-time members of the Board which have, though technically open to all Indian officials, by convention gone to officials from Punjab and Haryana.
These moves are widely interpreted as a continuation of the Centre’s contentious relationship with the other political parties.
It gives an affront blow to Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh.
What has been the position of the Union government on the city?
At the time of the 1966 Act, the Union government with Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister indicated that the UT status to Chandigarh was temporary and that it would be transferred to Punjab.
This decision was formalised in 1970 with Mrs Gandhi promising Haryana funds for building its own capital.
According to the 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord, Chandigarh was to be handed over to Punjab on January 26, 1986 but this never fructified after the assassination of Longowal and the long period of militancy.
The recent developments could thus indicate a shift in the Central government’s position.
What about Haryana?
As in Punjab, all parties in Haryana present a common position asserting its claim to the city.
It has objected to any move which associates Chandigarh solely with Punjab.
Is there a distinctive Chandigarh position?
Employees and unions of the Chandigarh administration have mostly welcomed the change in service rules since the Central provisions carry more benefits and perks.
After decades of existence as a UT, Chandigarh has developed a distinctive cultural character.
Given its geographical location it has the presence of many educational institutions, medical establishments and the Army and Air Force.
It has developed a unique cosmopolitanism and become a magnet for the youth across the north western region.
They city residents thus favour the status quo.
Way forward
While this time the issue has attracted more attention than usual.
Its Punjab mandate indicates massive expectations from the electorate including better service conditions from government employees but it has inherited a debt-ridden government.
The new govt will have to balance these contending claims in deciding further action.
A day after angry mob converged in front of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Colombo residence, demanding he step down immediately, he declared a state of Emergency in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Crisis: A backgrounder
Sri Lanka’s economic crisis can be traced to two key developments— the Easter Sunday bombings of 2019 that deterred tourists, and the pandemic since early 2020.
These events stalled recovery and further drained the economy.
As it grappled with an unprecedented challenge, the Rajapaksa regime made policy choices that are now proving to be costly.
It cut the government’s tax revenue substantially and rushed into an ‘organic only’ agricultural policy that will likely slash this year’s harvest by half.
The weak and debt-ridden economy with the lingering strain of the pandemic, and ill-advised policies accelerated the downward spiral.
What were the economic indicators?
COVID-19 hit Sri Lanka’s key foreign revenue earning sectors hard.
Earnings from tourism, exports, and worker remittances fell sharply in the last two years.
But the country could not stop importing essentials, and its dollar account began dwindling.
Fast draining foreign reserves, a glaring trade deficit, and a related Balance of Payments problem came as crucial signals.
Colombo’s huge foreign loan obligations and the drop in domestic production compounded the economic strain.
When did things begin to worsen?
The long-simmering crisis made its first big announcement during last August’s food emergency, when supplies were badly affected.
It was soon followed by fears of a sovereign default in late 2021, which Sri Lanka averted.
But without enough dollars to pay for the country’s high import bill, the island continued facing severe shortage of essentials — from fuel, cooking gas, and staple foodgrains to medicines.
How did the crisis manifest itself on the ground?
Consumers could not find the most basic things such as petrol, LPG cylinders, kerosene, or milk in the market.
They spent hours waiting in long queues outside fuel stations or shops.
Supermarket shelves were either empty or had products with high price tags that most could not afford.
For instance, the price of one kg of milk powder, a staple item in dairy-deficient Sri Lanka, suddenly shot up to nearly LKR 2000 in March.
Be it cooking gas, oils, rice, pulses, vegetables, fish, meat, consumers found themselves paying substantially more, or simply had to forego the item.
The fuel shortage has led to long blackouts — up to 13 hours — across the island.
What is the situation now?
The value of the Sri Lankan rupee has dropped to 300 against a U.S. dollar (and even more than 400 in the black market), putting importers in a difficult spot.
The government is unable to pay for its import shipments, forcing consignments to leave the Colombo port.
For the average citizen contending with COVID-induced salary cuts and job losses, the soaring living costs have brought more agony.
How did India help mitigate the crisis?
India has extended $2.4 billion this year.
China, that is considering a fresh request from Colombo for $2.5 billion assistance, in addition to the $2.8 billion it has extended since the pandemic broke out.
The government has decided to negotiate an International Monetary Fund programme, while seeking support from other multilateral and bilateral sources.
But even with all this help, Sri Lanka can barely manage.
How has it affected the people?
Sri Lankans are seething with anger, going by public demonstrations and protests.
They want the President to step down immediately and the ruling clan to leave the country’s helm.
They have been agitating in different parts of the country, including near the President’s home.
Former military man Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who came to power on a huge mandate in 2019, is Sri Lanka’s most unpopular leader today.
Following the protests near his home, Mr. Rajapaksa said “extremists” were plotting an ‘Arab Spring’ and hence he declared a state of Emergency.
Back2Basics: Financial Emergency in India
The President of India can declare the Financial Emergency on the aid and advise of the Council of Ministers.
She/ He has to be satisfied that a situation has arisen due to which the financial stability or credit of India or any part of its territory is threatened.
Article 360 gives authority to the President of India to declare a financial emergency.
However, the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978 says that the President’s ‘satisfaction’ is not beyond judicial review.
It means the Supreme Court can review the declaration of a Financial Emergency.
Parliamentary Approval and Duration
A proclamation of financial emergency must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months from the date of its issue.
A resolution approving the proclamation of financial emergency can be passed by either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) only by a simple majority.
Once approved by both the Houses of Parliament, the Financial Emergency continues indefinitely till it is revoked.
It may be revoked by the President anytime without any Parliamentary approval (but with the usual aid and advice).
Effects of Financial Emergency
During the financial emergency, the executive authority of the Center expands and it can give financial orders to any state according to its own.
All money bills or other financial bills, that come up for the President’s consideration after being passed by the state legislature, can be reserved.
Salaries and allowances of all or any class of persons serving in the state can be reduced.
The President may issue directions for the reduction of salaries and allowances of: (i) All or any class of persons serving the Union and the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court.
Try this PYQ:
Q. With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?
(a) The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
(b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
(c) In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
(d) State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of the Union Legislature.
Google Pay has recently launched a new feature in India, ‘Tap to pay for UPI’, in collaboration with Pine Labs. The feature makes use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.
What is Near Field Communication (NFC)?
NFC is a short-range wireless connectivity technology that allows NFC-enabled devices to communicate with each other and transfer information quickly and easily with a single touch.
It makes possible to pay bills, exchange business cards, download coupons, or share a document.
How does it work?
NFC transmits data through electromagnetic radio fields, to enable communication between two devices. Both devices must contain NFC chips, as transactions take place within a very short distance.
NFC-enabled devices must be either physically touching or within a few centimetres from each other for data transfer to occur.
When did NFC tech start?
In 2004, consumer electronics companies, Nokia, Philips and Sony together formed the NFC Forum, which outlined the architecture for NFC technology to create powerful new consumer-driven products.
Nokia released the first NFC-enabled phone in 2007.
How will this technology work with the recently launched feature, ‘Tap to pay for UPI’?
Google Pay has been the first among UPI apps to bring the Tap to Pay feature working on POS terminals.
It will allow users with UPI accounts configured on Google Pay to make payments just by tapping their NFC-enabled Android smartphones on any Pine Labs Android POS terminal.
Once users tap their phones on the POS terminal, it will automatically open the Google pay app with the payment amount pre-filled.
Users can then verify the amount and merchant name and authenticate the payment, using their UPI PIN.
The process is much faster compared to scanning a QR code or entering the UPI-linked mobile number which has been the conventional way till now.
What are the other applications of NFC technology?
NFC tech has a wide range of applications besides driving payment services.
It is used in contactless banking cards to perform money transactions or to generate contact-less tickets for public transport.
Contactless cards and readers use NFC in several applications from securing networks and buildings to monitoring inventory and sales, preventing auto theft, keeping tabs on library books,
NFC is behind the cards that we wave over card readers in subway turnstiles and on buses to check tickets.
It is present in speakers, household appliances, and other electronic devices that we monitor and control through our smartphones.
With just a touch, NFC can also set up WiFi and Bluetooth devices in our homes, investopedia noted.
It also has an application in healthcare, to monitor patient stats through NFC-enabled wristbands.
NFC is used in wireless charging too.
How safe is this technology?
NFC technology is designed for an operation between devices within a few centimetres from each other.
This makes it difficult for attackers to record the communication between the devices compared to other wireless technologies which have a working distance of several metres, according to the NFC forum, a non-profit industry association.
The user of the NFC-enabled device determines by the touch gesture which entity the NFC communication should take place with, making it more difficult for the attacker to get connected.
The security level of the NFC communication is by default higher compared to other wireless communication protocols.
Where does it stand in comparison to other wireless technologies?
There are other wireless technologies available which are replacing cable-based connections.
The IrDa technology is a short range (a few metres) connection based on the exchange of data over infrared light where the two communication devices must be positioned within a line of sight.
Today, this technology is mainly used for remote control devices. For larger data communication with computer devices this technology was replaced by Bluetooth or WiFi connections.
However, for these technologies’ receiver devices need their own power supply due to the larger working distance.
Therefore, the receiving device cannot be powered by the radiofrequency (RF) field like in NFC, the NFC forum highlighted.
Another consequence of the larger working distance is the need for the user to configure their device and to pair them together for communication.
Russia and Ukraine account for about 25% of the world’s wheat exports. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent Western sanctions against Moscow have curtailed wheat supplies drastically.
India eyeing the global wheat basket
As a result of War, many countries which were sourcing wheat mainly from these two nations are now in a dire need of alternatives.
India, the largest wheat producer after China, is reported to be eyeing the void.
The government plans to allow increased exports to cash in on the higher price of wheat in the international market.
With harvesting season (March to May) coinciding with the supply crunch, a bumper crop is also expected again this year.
Global wheat scenario
While Russia and Ukraine exported 183 million tonnes (MT) and 91 MT of wheat, respectively, between 2017 and 2021, India exported just a fraction of its output, or just 12.6 MT, in the period.
Five other countries accounted for the bulk of wheat exports in this period, including the European Union (157 MT), the U.S. (125 MT), Canada (112 MT) and Australia (83 MT).
India, which had the second-highest wheat supply (including production, existing stocks and imports) in this period at 613 million tonnes, exported only 2% of this, with about 80% used for domestic consumption, and the rest stored.
Impact of the war
Many countries in Africa, West Asia and Southeast Asia rely heavily on Russian and Ukrainian wheat.
Egypt, the biggest importer of wheat, sources 93% of its needs from the East European neighbors. Indonesia, the second-largest importer, has a 30% dependence on these two nations.
African nations such as Sudan (60% reliance), Tanzania (64%), Libya (53%), Tunisia (52%), and West Asian countries including Lebanon (77% dependency), Yemen (50%) and the UAE (42%) are also highly dependent on supplies from the two neighbors now at war.
India’s focus markets
India is now focussing on exporting wheat to many nations such as Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria, Algeria, West Asia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, Morocco and Tanzania.
To give impetus to the export promotion of wheat as well as to bring focus on the challenges and bottlenecks faced in production and export, APEDA has created a task group.
Legal hurdles over Wheat Exports
If India decides to export wheat from its stocks, some developed nations may raise objections at the World Trade Organisation.
Already, in March, India was accused of exporting rice from its stocks.
India had replied that its rice exports were not from stocks set aside under the public stockholding programs.
India’s consideration
The Supreme Court in the Right to Food case, observed that the peace clause adopted in WTO’s Bali Ministerial in 2014 does not prevent India from exporting foodgrains.
With the buffer stocks at hand, India should increase its wheat exports in order to stabilise global prices to the extent that it can.
It is also important because the countries that were dependent on Russia and Ukraine for their wheat are looking for an alternative source.
Way ahead
There is a need to prioritise local prices and ensure adequate supplies for domestic consumption before deciding on the quantum of exports.
Ensuring the stability of prices in India and availability of grain for internal consumption should be of utmost priority to the Indian government
The government should plan this move in such a way that it does not impact local consumption.
A bumper crop of wheat is expected, so the government can procure enough for its distribution and buffer needs.
Further, as of now, there are no export restrictions, so farmers can also get the advantage of higher prices by selling the surplus to private traders for exports.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:
Q. Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?
(a) Spices
(b) Fresh fruits
(c) Pulses
(d) Vegetable oils
Answer is subjective to the year. But still you can give it a try.
Raja Rai Varma’s Draupadi Vastraharan is expected to fetch between Rs 15 and Rs 20 crore at an auction.
Who was Raja Ravi Varma?
Raja Ravi Varma was born in April 1848 in Kilimanoor, Kerala, to a family which was very close to the royals of Travancore.
Often referred to as the father of modern Indian art, he is widely known for his realistic portrayal of Indian gods and goddesses.
While he majorly painted for the royalty, he is also credited for taking art to the masses with his prints and oleographs.
At a young age, he would draw animals and everyday scenes on the walls in indigenous coloursmade from natural materials such as leaves, flowers and soil.
His uncle, Raja Raja Varma, noticed this and encouraged his talent.
Patronised by Ayilyam Thirunal, the then ruler of Travancore, he learnt watercolour painting from the royal painter Ramaswamy Naidu, and later trained in oil painting from Dutch artist Theodore Jensen.
How he became an artist of the royals?
Varma became a much sought-after artist for the aristocrats and was commissioned several portraits in late 19th century.
Arguably, at one point, he became so popular that the Kilimanoor Palace in Kerala opened a post office due to the sheer number of painting requests that would come in for him.
He travelled across India extensively, for work and inspiration.
Fame as a notable painter
Following a portrait of Maharaja Sayajirao of Baroda, he was commissioned 14 Puranic paintings for the Durbar Hall of the new Lakshmi Vilas Palace at Baroda.
Depicting Indian culture, Varma borrowed from episodes of Mahabharata and Ramayana for the same.
He also received patronage from numerous other rulers, including the Maharaja of Mysore and Maharaja of Udaipur.
As his popularity soared, the artist won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873.
He was also awarded three gold medals at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Nature of his artforms
Much of his celebrated art also borrows heavily from Indian mythology.
In fact, he is often credited with defining the images of Indian gods and goddesses through his relatable and more realistic portrayals often painted with humans as models.
The depictions include Lakshmi as the goddess of wealth, Saraswati as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, and Lord Vishnu with his consorts, Maya and Lakshmi.
How he took Indian art to the masses?
Raja Ravi Varma aspired to take his art to the masses and the intent led him to open a Lithographic Press in Bombay in 1894.
The idea, reportedly, came from Sir T Madhava Rao, former Dewan of Travancore and later Baroda, in a letter where he pointed out to Varma that since it was impossible for him to meet the large demand for his work, it would be ideal for him to send some of his select works to Europe and have them produced as oleographs.
Varma, instead, chose to establish a printing press of his own.
The first picture printed at Varma’s press was reportedly The Birth of Shakuntala, followed by numerous mythological figures and saints such as Adi Shankaracharya.
Try this PYQ:
Q. There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?
The Rajya Sabha recently bade farewell to 72 members retiring this year as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed their contribution and MPs fondly reminisced on their experiences.
In this article, we will discuss and analyze the journey, significance and achievements of the Upper House of Parliament – Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha or Council of States is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament.
It currently has a maximum membership of 245, of which 233 are elected by the legislatures of the states and union territories using single transferable votes through Open Ballot.
The President can appoint 12 members for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services.
Members sit for terms lasting six years, with elections every year but almost a third of the 233 designates up for election every two years, specifically in even-numbered years.
A Historical background
The Rajya Sabha came into being on April 3, 1952, and held its first session on May 13 the same year.
The Constituent Assembly, which was formed in 1947, after the adoption of the Constitution became the Provisional Parliament and made laws till 1952.
Before its existence
The central legislature that came into being under the Government of India Act, 1919was bicameral.
Under 1919 Act, Council of States had 60 members and Legislative Assembly had 145 members.
The membership and voting norms for the Council of States were restrictive. These restrictions meant only wealthy landowners, merchants and those with legislative experience could enter it.
Women could neither vote nor seek membership.
The Government of India Act, 1935 proposed an elaborate and improved version of the second chamber, but this never materialized.
Elections to the Rajya Sabha
Qualifications
Article 84of the Constitution lays down the qualifications for membership of Parliament. A member of the Rajya Sabha must:
Be a citizen of India;
Be at least 30 years old. (Article 84 constitution of India)
Be elected by the Legislative Assembly of States and UTs by means of the single transferable vote through proportional representation.
Not be: a proclaimed criminal, a subject of an insolvent, of unsound mind.
Not hold any other office of profit under the Government of India.
Possess such other qualifications as may be prescribed in that behalf by or under any law made by Parliament.
In addition, twelve members are nominated by the President of India having special knowledge in various areas like arts and science. However, they are not entitled to vote in Presidential elections as per Article 55 of the Constitution.
Election procedure
Candidates fielded by political parties have to be proposed by at least 10 members of the Assembly or 10% of the party’s strength in the House, whichever is less.
For independents, there should be 10 proposers, all of whom should be members of the Assembly.
Voting procedure
Voting is by single transferable vote, as the election is held on the principle of proportional representation.
A single transferable vote means electors can vote for any number of candidates in order of their preference.
A candidate requires a specified number of first preference votes to win. Each first choice vote has a value of 100 in the first round.
To qualify, a candidate needs one point more than the quotient obtained by dividing the total value of the number of seats for which elections are taking place plus one.
The formula simply is [(Number of MLAs X 100) / (Vacancies + 1)] + 1.
Example: If there are four seats and 180 MLAs voting, the qualifying number will be 180/5= 36 votes or value of 3,600.
Note: The Rajya Sabha polls have a system of the open ballot, but it is a limited form of openness. There is a system of each party MLA showing his or her marked ballots to the party’s authorised agent (called Whip), before they are put into the ballot box.
The NOTA option has been struck down by the Supreme Court in RS elections.
The Power Equation: Lok Sabha Vs. Rajya Sabha
The Indian Constitution provides for parity of powers between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in law, making an exception in some cases.
The Money Bill or Finance Bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha which only can approve the Demands for Grants.
On the other hand, the Rajya Sabha has some special powers as requiring adopting a resolution allowing Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List and creating All India Services, besides approving proclamations of Emergency and President’s Rule when the Lok Sabha is dissolved.
Renowned British philosopher and political economist John Stuart Mill as early as in 1861 said in his great treatise Considerations on Representative Government that management of free institutions requires conciliation; a readiness to compromise; a willingness to concede something to opponents and mutual give and take. Truly, Rajya sabha plays this role in Indian legislature.
In detail: Powers and Functions of the Rajya Sabha
[1] Legislative Powers:
In the sphere of ordinary law-making, the Rajya Sabha enjoys equal powers with the Lok Sabha. An ordinary bill can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha and it cannot become a law unless passed by it.
In case of a deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament over an ordinary bill and if it remains unresolved for six months, the President can convene a joint sitting of the two Houses for resolving the deadlock.
This joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. But if the deadlock is not resolved, the bill is deemed to have been killed.
[2] Financial Powers:
In the financial sphere, the Rajya Sabha is a weak House.
A money bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. It can be initiated only in the Lok Sabha.
A money bill passed by the Lok Sabha comes before the Rajya Sabha for its consideration.
[3] Executive Powers:
Members of the Rajya Sabha can exercise some control over the ministers by criticizing their policies, by asking questions and moving motions etc.
Some of the ministers are also taken from the Rajya Sabha. The PM can also be from Rajya Sabha if the majority party in the Lok Sabha may elect/adopt him as its leader.
[4] Electoral Powers:
The Rajya Sabha has some electoral powers also. The elected members of the Rajya Sabha along with the elected members of the Lok Sabha and all the State Legislative Assemblies together elect the President of India.
The members of the Rajya Sabha Lok Sabha together elect the Vice- President of India.
Members of the Rajya Sabha also elect a Deputy Chairman from amongst themselves.
[5] Judicial Powers:
The RS acting along with the Lok Sabha can impeach the President on charges of violation of the Constitution.
The RS can also pass a special address for causing the removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or of any High Court.
The charges against the Vice-President can be levelled only in the RS.
The RS can pass a resolution for the removal of some high officers like the Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General and Chief Election Commissioner.
[6] Miscellaneous Powers:
The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha jointly perform the following functions:
Approval of the ordinances issued by the President,
Ratification of an emergency proclamation,
Making any change in the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the High Courts, and
Making any change in the qualifications for the membership of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
[7] Exclusive Powers
The Rajya Sabha enjoys two exclusive powers:
(i) The Power to declare a Subject of State List as a subject of National Importance:
The Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution by 2/3rd majority of its members for declaring a State List subject as a subject of national importance. Such a resolution empowers the Union Parliament to legislate on such a state subject for a period of one year. Such resolutions can be repeatedly passed by the Rajya Sabha.
(ii) Power in respect of Creation or Abolition of an All India Service:
The Rajya Sabha has the power to create one or more new All India Services. It can do so by passing a resolution supported by 2/3rd majority on the plea of national interest. In a similar way, the Rajya Sabha can disband an existing All India Service.
Limitations to its powers
The Constitution places some restrictions on Rajya Sabha; the Lok Sabha is more powerful in certain areas as such:
1. Money bills
A money bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha by a minister and only on recommendation of President of India.
When the Lok Sabha passes a money bill then the Lok Sabha sends money bill to the Rajya Sabha for 14 days during which it can make recommendations.
Even if Rajya Sabha fails to return the money bill in 14 days to the Lok Sabha, that bill is deemed to have passed by both the Houses.
Also, if the Lok Sabha rejects any (or all) of the amendments proposed by the Rajya Sabha, the bill is deemed to have been passed. Hence, Rajya Sabha can only give recommendations for a money bill but Rajya Sabha cannot amend a money bill.
There is no joint sitting of both the houses with respect to money bills, because all final decisions are taken by the Lok Sabha.
2. Joint Sitting of the Parliament
Article 108 provides for a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament in certain cases.
Considering that the numerical strength of Lok Sabha is more than twice that of Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha tends to have a greater influence in a joint sitting of Parliament. A joint session is chaired by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
Joint sessions of Parliament are a rarity, and have been convened only three times in last 71 years, for the purpose of passage of a specific legislative act, the latest time being in 2002:
The Union Council of Ministers is collectively responsible before the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha.
Lok Sabha alone can cause the fall of the Council of Ministers by passing a vote of no-confidence.
Rajya Sabha: A destructionist?
An analysis by the Secretariat revealed that the productivity of the Rajya Sabha till 1997 has been 100% and above and the past 23 years have thrown up a disturbing trend of rising disruptions.
This decline is primarily on account of disruptions forcing cancellation of Question Hour frequently.
Disruptions also dent the quality of law-making as seen in passing of Bills without discussion sometimes.
However, the Rajya Sabha is proving to be more and more a ‘deliberative’ body with increasingly more time being spent on this function.
According to various members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha has done nothing except stalling legislative works and causing policy paralysis in the country.
For critics, the Upper House serves no purpose as its members are not directly elected and hence are not accountable to the people.
Rajya Sabha often has members from the party defeated in various elections, or are from political families, and due to political differences, they do not allow passage of important bills.
So many extra members are an added burden on exchequer which can be done away with.
Politics of boycotting and creating ruckus in the house and toeing on the party-line even on the issue that won’t attract disqualification provisions is a worrying thing.
At the same time, in terms of working, Rajya Sabha does not have sufficient powers in financial matters to bring any change and they are without any direct public interaction. Hence its purpose in modern democracy seems outdated.
Importance of Rajya Sabha and Why It Should Continue
According to President Radhakrishnan, there are functions, which a revising chamber like Rajya Sabha can fulfil fruitfully. Parliament is not only a legislative but a deliberative body. So far as its deliberative functions are concerned, Rajya Sabha has made very valuable contributions time and again.
It’s true that party dynamics affects the working of Rajya Sabha. But in democracy passion often defeat the normal rationality.Thus a revising house is needed to check such adrenal rush.
While the argument of members not able to win in direct elections holds true, but retaining talent is essential for any democratic system. Losing valuable talent during election fervours has mostly been corrected by Rajya Sabha. It has also given entry to other experts like scientist, artist, sportsmen etc that can rarely face the electoral politics.
While Lok Sabha have members for each state, the Hindi belt domination is a constant theme. Hence other state interests, like those in North East, have always been taken up by the Rajya Sabha.
While it can’t bring no confidence motion or amend money bill, its role in checking arbitrariness of government as reflected in Land Ordinance, is necessary in democracy. Besides its special role in All India Services, legislation in State List too necessitates its existence.
Men and women of prodigious talent and calibre have adorned the benches of the upper house and have contributed significantly towards realising the vision of the founding fathers of the Constitution.
A permanent Upper House is also a check against any abrupt changes in the composition of the Lower House.
Rajya Sabha has continuity and is a permanent house.
Unlike Lok Sabha, it cannot be dissolved by anyone. Thus it has, time and often, carried out some administrative functions even when the lower house is dissolved. It has members with experienced playerswhile there may be new entrants in the Lok Sabha.
By virtue of this, Rajya Sabha can’t be said to be ‘obstructive’.
Conclusion
A study of the powers of the Rajya Sabha leads us to the conclusion that it is neither a very weak house like the British House of Lords nor a very powerful house as the American Senate. Its position is somewhat mid-way between the two. It has been less powerful than Lok Sabha but it has been not a very weak or insignificant House.
Instead of engaging in the debate of if we need upper house or not, more constructive outlook would be improve it’s functioning. Clearly, the recommendations are present from NCRWC to 2nd ARC. The need is implementation and political support.
No more just the reading of your standard NCERTs is sufficient to clear prelims. Prelims is becoming more Dynamic Year by Year. From 5 lakh plus students making it to roughly 10,000 students for mains stage is not an easy task.
LAST 60 DAYS
60 days is an apt time to not only prepare but clear prelims. Many veterans/topper who appear for prelims shift to PRELIMS MODE in the last 60 days.
This is because 60 days period comfortably allows to finish your one last static revisions of all subject, also cover current affairs revisions and write mocks. Few days less than 60, just adds on to add mental pressure, which can compromise your preparation.
Prelims is the most trickiest stage in UPSC Examination. Last 60 days is surely a DO OR DIE situation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS WEBINAR:
1. Know about essentials which should be part of your timetable in the next 60 days. How to make a perfect timetable in the last 60 days?
2. Every day counts and each subject counts! How much time should be devoted to each subject? Let the experts tell you!
3. 20, 30, 40 or 60 tests! How many tests are enough before prelims? Is there a magic number?
4. Not just do’s but one should be aware about the don’t as well. What mistakes one needs to avoid in last 60 days?
5. Revision is the most important part of UPSC preparation. Know about 5R Revision plan.
6. Time test Elimination techniques for prelims. How to use Tikdam/Logical reasoning to score extra 25 marks?
7. Confused between 2 options because they sound very similar. Know how to maximize efficiency while solving question?
8. Last few days is not about making long notes. Discuss the process of making micro notes in last 60 days.
Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.
Webinar Details
Prelims question papers have become more or less like a game of Sudoko. Except, in Sudoko you can solve the puzzle at your leisure and over here you are limited by 2 hours. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Sajal sir
He is the founder and Core Faculty at CD. SajalSingh has the distinction be being 2017 topper of GS Mains. Over 400 students have emerged as toppers under SajalSir’s mentorship in the last 7 years.
Thank you messages from students who cleared Mains 2021 under the mentorship of Sajal sir
Last Minute Mentorship can help you a long wayGratitude for Mains mentorshipAppearing in Interview 2021
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