What is the council of state or Rajya Sabha? role, function, and powers of Rajya Sabha?
Council of States, also known as Rajya Sabha, is the upper house of the Parliament of India. It is a permanent body, unlike the Lok Sabha or the lower house, which gets dissolved after every five years.
The Rajya Sabha is comprised of a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 are elected by the legislatures of states and union territories, while the remaining 12 are nominated by the President of India. Members of the Rajya Sabha serve a term of six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.
Legislative functions: The Rajya Sabha has the power to pass, reject or amend bills that are introduced in the Parliament. However, bills related to taxation and expenditure can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Financial functions: The Rajya Sabha can discuss and scrutinize the annual budget presented by the government. It can also make recommendations to the Lok Sabha regarding money bills.
Representation of states: The Rajya Sabha represents the interests of the states and union territories. It provides a platform for them to voice their concerns and raise issues of national importance.
Electoral functions: The Rajya Sabha participates in the election of the President and Vice-President of India.
Impeachment functions: The Rajya Sabha, along with the Lok Sabha, has the power to impeach the President, Vice-President, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and other constitutional functionaries.
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The powers of the Rajya Sabha are as follows:
- The Rajya Sabha can initiate legislation on any matter except money bills.
- The Rajya Sabha can delay the passage of bills passed by the Lok Sabha by up to six months.
- The Rajya Sabha can discuss and debate any matter of national importance.
- The Rajya Sabha can recommend the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Overall, the Rajya Sabha plays a vital role in India’s parliamentary system, providing a platform for the representation of states, discussion of national issues, and debate on legislation.
