Special powers of the Rajya Sabha
Topic: Parliament: Composition, Powers and Law-making · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 5 "Legislature"
Meaning
These are powers that only the Rajya Sabha has, mostly because it represents the states:
- Art. 249: by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, it can let Parliament make laws on a State List subject (a subject normally left to the states) in the national interest. The resolution lasts one year and can be renewed. The law lapses six months after the resolution ends.
- Art. 312: by the same majority, it can let Parliament create a new All India Service (a civil service shared by the Union and the states).
- Art. 67(b): a move to remove the Vice-President can start only in the Rajya Sabha.
- It alone approves emergency proclamations made while the Lok Sabha is dissolved.
Example
The Indian Forest Service was created in 1966 after the Rajya Sabha passed a resolution under Art. 312.
Don't confuse with
- Exclusive powers of the Lok Sabha: money bills, demands for grants, no-confidence motions and disapproving an emergency belong to the lower House alone.
- Matters where the Houses are equal: for example, constitutional amendments and impeachment of the President. Neither House has an edge there.