Mains Daily Question
Dec. 25, 2020

  1. Critically discuss the need of Rajya Sabha in Indian Polity.

Approach:

  • Briefly introduce Rajya Sabha

  • Give arguments in favor of need of Rajya Sabha

  • Then give arguments against the need of Rajya Sabha

  • Conclude while taking a stand based on arguments

Model Answer

The Constitution makers opted for Bicameralism, with the Council of States (later renamed as The Rajya Sabha) as the upper house of the Parliament of India. The upper house was envisaged to represent the interests of the states in the Parliament while also aiding and checking the legislative powers of the directly elected lower house. The members (except some nominated ones) of the House are elected by the elected members of the Assemblies of the States and two Union Territories. Recently, there was demand to abolish the Rajya Sabha for excessively obstructing legislative agenda.

Arguments In Favour Of Rajya Sabha

  • Act as a screener:  It facilitates a second look at legislations that may sometimes be the result of purely political compulsions of the ruling majority in the popular House. Due to indirect election of its members, Rajya Sabha do not take populist decisions.

  • New Ideas: It also has the advantage of having some people who have excelled in different areas of life who can participate in the debates with an amount of authority and learning.

  • Federalism: The bicameral nature of Indian Parliament is in line with fulfilling the spirit of federalism.

Arguments Against The Need Of Rajya Sabha:

  • A heaven for losers: Rajya Sabha has become a heaven for losers in elections, crony capitalists, compromised journalists and party fundraisers. 

  • Obstruction to legislative process: Rajya Sabha is acting as sort of hindrance to quick legislative process, not an effective point of second scrutiny.

  • Unequal representation of states: There are unequal seats for different states. So, federal element seems biased here.

  • Lack of power regarding certain bills: It can’t bring no confidence motion or amend other important bills like money bill.

Rajya Sabha, when it functions appropriately, has an important role to play in Indian democracy. Yet, its descent over the recent times into a political tool for opposition to block elected government's mandate without due deliberation has reduced its utility and honour.  

Nevertheless, Rajya Sabha is required on many accounts. It has equal powers in case of ordinary bills. Also it has some special powers such as legislating on state subject (Art 249), creation of All India Service (Article 312), removal of Vice President etc. Thus, there is a need to strengthen Rajya Sabha, not demonish it.

 

Subjects : Polity
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