Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are the two chambers of the Indian Parliament. It is important for UPSC aspirants to grasp the key distinctions between them.
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
Structure
The Lok Sabha is composed of members who are directly elected by the people of India. It has a maximum strength of 552 members, with 530 representing the states, 20 representing Union Territories, and 2 nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community if deemed necessary for adequate representation.
Term
The Lok Sabha serves a term of 5 years unless dissolved earlier, with the President having the authority to dissolve it on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Presiding Officer
The Speaker, elected by members of the house, presides over the Lok Sabha.
Powers
The Lok Sabha has the exclusive power to introduce Money Bills and can express confidence or no-confidence in the Council of Ministers. The primary function of the Lok Sabha is to pass laws, with Money Bills originating only in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha also exercises control over the executive through questions, discussions, and debates.
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
Composition
The Rajya Sabha is composed of representatives who are indirectly elected by members of State Legislative Assemblies and the Electoral college for Union Territories.
The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 members, with 238 elected and 12 nominated by the President for their expertise in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
Term
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that is not subject to dissolution. One-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring continuity.
Presiding Officer
The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, while the house also elects a Deputy Chairman from amongst its members.
Powers
The Rajya Sabha cannot introduce Money Bills and can only make recommendations to the Lok Sabha on Money Bills. It has significant legislative powers, but its role in financial legislation is limited. The Rajya Sabha represents the interests of the states in the federal structure and participates in the legislative process by debating and amending bills. Additionally, it acts as a revising chamber for bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
Here are the key differences between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha:
- Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the people, while Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by State Legislatures.
- Lok Sabha has a maximum strength of 552 members, while Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members.
- Lok Sabha has a term of 5 years, while Rajya Sabha is a permanent body with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
- The presiding officer of Lok Sabha is the Speaker, while the presiding officer of Rajya Sabha is the Vice President (Chairman).
- Lok Sabha can introduce and pass Money Bills, while Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments to Money Bills.
- Lok Sabha has the power to pass a no-confidence motion leading to the resignation of the Council of Ministers, while Rajya Sabha does not have this power.
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