Difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

We have studied about politics and its functions in our Civics lectures. Social Science has given us a broader aspect and has helped us in understanding the politics of our country. The politics of India is quite complex. The politics of India is divided into two houses, i.e., Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha is called the lower house, while Rajya Sabha is called the upper house. Both these houses are responsible for carrying out several duties. Before focussing on characteristics, let us first see the definitions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha is commonly known as the house of people that passes bills and laws in India. According to some reports, the people of India have elected seventeen Lok Sabhas. The main function of Lok Sabha is to ensure that the government is performing their functions along with passing bills and laws. It is interesting to note that Lok Sabha has the upper hand in deciding about financial matters.

Rajya Sabha

On the other hand, Rajya Sabha is called the upper house of parliament. Rajya Sabha is responsible for protecting the rights of a state in response to the union legislature. Rajya Sabha is the permanent house. Well, there are many points of contrast in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. So, let us look at a few of them.

So, these are the fundamental points of contrast between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. There are several functions performed by Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. So, let us look at some of the characteristics and functions.

Functions of Lok Sabha

1. Legislature: Lok Sabha has to right to pass bills and laws that are concerned with states and union territories. In case of emergencies, when a bill is passed with two-thirds of the members of parliament, the bill is valid only for one year. Apart from money bills, other bills can be passed by either Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha. In case if these government bodies do not come to a conclusion, then the President of India helps in such conditions. Lok Sabha is more potent and stronger than Rajya Sabha in terms of the legislature.
2. Financial Matters: Money Bills are initiated by the members of Lok Sabha. When a bill is made by Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha for its approval and suggestions. If the suggested changes are accepted by the Lok Sabha members, then the bill is passed by both bodies of parliament. The minimum time period in which the suggested changes have to be made by Rajya Sabha is 14 days.
3. Elections: Article 54 of the Indian Constitution exercises several functions in terms of elections. The Lok Sabha selects its own speaker, who is the representative of the lower house as well.
4. Public Powers: The members of Lok Sabha have the powers of debating and discussing regarding different topics. These discussions are based on several subjects like expenditure, financial matters, revenues, etc. Through these discussions and debates, the members can talk about the problems of their states.
5. Miscellaneous:
   • The Constitution of India is amended by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
   • The judges of the High Court and Supreme Court can be appointed and removed by both the houses of parliament.
   • For removing the Vice-President, the Rajya Sabha has to take the consent of the members of Lok Sabha.
   • For every action of Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha has to be consented for everything.

So, these are some of the essential functions of the Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha has the deciding authority for passing bills of several subjects. As Lok Sabha has some functions, so does the Rajya Sabha. So, let us look at some functions of Rajya Sabha as well.

Functions of Rajya Sabha

1. Rajya Sabha serves as the representative of various states and the union territories of India.
2. A bill has to pass from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to become a law.
3. Rajya Sabha has the authority to review and alter the bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
4. The members are elected by representatives or elected members of the assembly of several states.
5. Presently, there are 300 members in Rajya Sabha wherein the 12 members are selected by the President of India.

So, these are the significant characteristics of the Rajya Sabha. Well, it is interesting to note that the miscellaneous functions mentioned in the Lok Sabha are applied to the functions of Rajya Sabha as well. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are important governing bodies of India that have several functions to perform. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are essential for the smooth functioning of different states and union territories.