Consider the following statements : 1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill. 2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants. 3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 1 is correct: under Article 109, Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments to a Money Bill within 14 days; Lok Sabha may accept or reject them, so Rajya Sabha can neither reject nor amend it.
• Statement 2 is correct: Demands for Grants are voted only by Lok Sabha (Article 113); Rajya Sabha merely discusses the Budget.
• Statement 3 is wrong: Rajya Sabha does discuss the Annual Financial Statement (Article 112 requires it to be laid before both Houses).
• Hence 1 and 2 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 2 is also correct: Rajya Sabha cannot vote on grants.
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong: Rajya Sabha discusses the Budget.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 3 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.