Powers of Rajya Sabha

Powers of Rajya Sabha Position of Rajya Sabha The Constitutional position of the Rajya Sabha (as compared with the Lok Sabha) can be studied from three angles: . Where Rajya Sabha is equal to Lok Sabha? . Where Rajya Sabha is unequal to Lok Sabha? . Where Rajya Sabha has special powers that are not all shared with the Lok Sabha? Equal Status with Lok Sabha In the following matters, the powers and status of the Rajya Sabha are equal to that of the Lok Sabha: . Introduction and passage of ordinary bills. . Introduction and passage of Constitutional amendment bills. . Introduction and passage of financial bills involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. . Election and impeachment of the President. . Election and removal of the Vice- President. However, Rajya Sabha alone can initiate the removal of the vice- President. He is removed by a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha by a simple majority. . Making recommendation to the President for the removal of Chief Justice and judges of Supreme Court and high courts, chief election commissioner and comptroller and auditor general. . Approval of ordinances issued by the President. . Approval of proclamation of all three types of emergencies by the President. . Selection of ministers including the Prime Minister. Under the Constitution, the ministers including the Prime Minister can be members of either House. However, irrespective of their membership, they are responsible only to the Lok Sabha. ( . Consideration of the reports of the constitutional bodies like Finance Commission, Union Public Service Commission, comptroller and auditor general, etc. . Enlargment of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the Union Public Service Commission. Unequal Status with Lok Sabha In the following matters, the powers and status of the Rajya Sabha are unequal to that of the Lok Sabha: . A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and not in the Rajya Sabha. . Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject a Money Bill.