1. Direct Representation vs. Indirect Representation:
A. Direct Election in Lok Sabha:
- Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of India through general elections. Each Lok Sabha member represents a specific constituency.
B. Indirect Election in Rajya Sabha:
- Members of the Rajya Sabha are not directly elected by the people. They are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union territories. This indirect election method distinguishes the Rajya Sabha from the Lok Sabha.
2. Primary Legislative House:
A. Lok Sabha’s Primacy in Legislation:
- The Lok Sabha is considered the primary legislative house, especially in matters related to money bills and the passage of the annual budget. Money bills must be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations, with limited power to delay such bills.
B. Rajya Sabha’s Limited Role in Finance:
- The Rajya Sabha has a restricted role in financial matters, and its powers are secondary to those of the Lok Sabha. While it can discuss and suggest amendments to money bills, it cannot ultimately block them.
3. Financial Powers:
A. Exclusive Power of Lok Sabha:
- The Lok Sabha has the exclusive power to introduce and pass money bills. The Rajya Sabha’s role is limited to suggesting amendments, and it cannot reject or indefinitely delay these bills.
B. Budget Approval Process:
- The Lok Sabha plays a pivotal role in the approval of the budget. While the Rajya Sabha can discuss and suggest changes, the budget is not required to receive its approval. The Lok Sabha’s decisions are paramount in financial matters.
4. Representation of States:
A. Direct Representation in Lok Sabha:
- Members of the Lok Sabha represent specific constituencies, ensuring direct representation of the people. Each constituency has equal weight in terms of representation.
B. Indirect Representation in Rajya Sabha:
- The Rajya Sabha represents states and union territories indirectly through the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies. The representation is not based on population, and states with larger populations do not necessarily have more representation.
5. Term Duration:
A. Continuous Body vs. Dissolution:
- The Lok Sabha is subject to dissolution, and elections are held at least every five years. In contrast, the Rajya Sabha is a continuous body, with one-third of its members retiring every two years. This ensures stability and continuity in the Rajya Sabha.
6. Emergency Powers:
A. Special Powers of Lok Sabha:
- During a proclamation of a National Emergency, the Lok Sabha has special powers, and the Rajya Sabha’s powers are curtailed. The Lok Sabha can extend its term during an emergency, while the Rajya Sabha cannot.
Conclusion:
While both houses of Parliament are critical to the Indian legislative process, the position of the Rajya Sabha is considered unequal to that of the Lok Sabha in several respects. The Lok Sabha, as the directly elected house with primary legislative and financial powers, holds a more central and powerful position in the Indian parliamentary system. The unique roles and functions of each house contribute to the balance and effectiveness of the Indian democratic structure.
