Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. [2020] 250 Words [15 Marks]
Based on 24 evaluated answers to this question on CollectorBabu: here is what aspirants most often missed, the mistakes that cost marks, and a model answer.
What most aspirants missed
- Article 249 power to legislate on State List matters with a two-thirds resolution, and its use in national interest
- Article 312 creation of All India Services and the link to federal cooperation
- The GST Constitutional Amendment of 2016 as an example of inter-state consensus-building
- Money Bill limits, such as the Aadhaar Bill 2016, which shows the diminished financial role of Rajya Sabha
- Role of Article 80 nominated experts and the anti-defection law in changing the House's functioning
Common mistakes
- Describing only static powers and not the change over time, such as the coalition era after 1989
- Giving no concrete examples or treating examples as one-line name-drops without linking them to the transformation
- Overlooking the limits of Money Bill powers and calling Rajya Sabha's role in finance decisive
- Ending with a vague conclusion that does not summarise the change or look ahead
What the better answers did
- A brief historical frame, from a passive revising chamber to an active deliberative body, set up in the introduction
- Linking each example to a specific factor, such as coalition politics leading to consensus in GST passage
- Using constitutional provisions like Articles 249 and 312 to explain how the House acts as a supporting organ
- Balanced analysis that notes both the gains and the limits, such as Money Bill constraints
Introduction
Open with the coalition era after 1989 as the turning point, then state that the answer will cover factors first and areas of change second.
Conclusion
Close by linking the transformation to federal consensus and scrutiny, and add one forward-looking point on strengthening committees and Question Hour.
Model answer
Rajya Sabha, once seen as a passive revising chamber, has grown into a deliberative and federal institution. Coalition politics after 1989, when no single party often commanded a Lok Sabha majority, made the Upper House a key partner in legislation, consensus-building and scrutiny of the executive.
Factors behind the transformation
- Coalition governments and the rise of regional parties, which forced negotiation and consensus in the House
- The anti-defection law (1985), which made party voting predictable and shifted debate towards policy substance
- Expert nominees under Article 80, such as Lata Mangeshkar, Sachin Tendulkar and Mary Kom, who enrich debate
- Strong standing and select committees, such as those on Finance and Defence, whose reports influence policy
Areas of visible transformation
- Federal role: Article 249 allows Parliament to legislate on State List matters if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority; Article 312 allows creation of All India Services on the same basis
- GST: the 101st Amendment (2016) was passed unanimously in Rajya Sabha, showing inter-state consensus on a major reform
- Financial scrutiny: the Aadhaar Bill (2016) was certified as a Money Bill, limiting Rajya Sabha to recommendations, which shows the limits of its financial role
- Social legislation: the Women's Reservation Act (2023) passed both Houses with broad support
Rajya Sabha has moved from a subordinate chamber to an active partner in governance. Its impact now depends on party arithmetic, the limits of Money Bill powers and the use of committees and Question Hour, so strengthening these will sustain its supporting role.
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