Over the past few decades, the Rajya Sabha, often dismissed as a ‘useless stepney tyre’ in the wheel of Indian parliamentary democracy, has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a vital and indispensable supporting organ of the legislative process. Several factors have contributed to this metamorphosis. Firstly, the increasing diversity of political representation within the Rajya Sabha has fostered a more inclusive and comprehensive legislative discourse. With members hailing from diverse backgrounds and experiences, the upper house has become a crucible for nuanced deliberations on critical issues. Furthermore, the Rajya Sabha’s revisory and deliberative functions have gained prominence, allowing for a more thorough examination of legislation. The revisiting and revising of bills, facilitated by the Rajya Sabha, have led to more robust and well-rounded laws. Additionally, the house has played a crucial role in providing checks and balances, preventing hasty or ill-considered legislation. This transformation is particularly evident in the effective scrutiny and improvement of laws related to socio-economic development, federal relations, and the protection of minority rights. The Rajya Sabha’s newfound relevance is a testament to its evolving role as a cornerstone of India’s parliamentary democracy.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 2 Mains 2020
Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Structure of the Question
- In Introduction,
- Try to mention about Rajya Sabha and its Importance.
- In Body,
- Arguments in support of Rajya Sabha as a supporting organ in democracy.
- Transformations due to Rajya Sabha’s proactive role.
- In Conclusion, try to emphasize the role of Rajya Sabha in India’s polity.
Answer
Introduction
The Montague Chelmsford Reforms proposals deliberated over a Second Chamber for the first time in India. The Constituent Assembly favored Rajya Sabha, as a vast country like India with immense diversity required a platform for the states at Parliament to raise their voices and to check legislation passed in haste.
Rajya Sabha and its Importance
Growing Regional Politics
The Rajya Sabha provides a collective voice to the Indian States. The diversification of ideologies in the chamber can be attributed to the growth of regional politics. This has been a major highlight after the 1970s, succeeding the end of Congress rule in many states.
Emerging Populism
Doing justice to its role as a ‘Deliberative Body’, Rajya Sabha tends to make unpopular yet necessary decisions since it is not popularly elected.
Cooperative Federalism by NITI Aayog
States have been provided more say in governance which has led to a healthy federal balance, thus reasserting the role of Rajya Sabha as second chamber.
Specialists and Experts in the House
The continuously emerging domain of legislation demands Specialist Opinion. Rajya Sabha has provided a platform where the opinions of Senior Judges, Social Workers, Industrialists, etc. have contributed to the revolutionary debates which has made the importance of Rajya Sabha undebatable.
Arguments in support of Rajya Sabha as a ‘Supporting Organ’ in Democracy
- Prime Minister being part of the Rajya Sabha and as head of the government, imparts Rajya Sabha with enhanced weightage.
- The ruling party doesn’t have a brute majority in Rajya Sabha unlike the House of People and this balance of numbers upholds the key position held by Rajya Sabha.
- It wards off hasty legislation and acts as a ‘check and balance’ method.
- It keeps functioning even when the Lower house is dissolved as a permanent house.
- It acts as a deliberative body giving a platform to high-quality debates on important issues.
- The government’s decision to pass certain Bills as ‘Money Bills’ suggests that the Rajya Sabha is not merely an Approving body.
The transformation can be seen in
- Abrogation of Article 370, where the support of Rajya Sabha was vital for the benefit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
- GST reforms were another subject where the Rajya Sabha’s role was proactive. States’ support was essential in the implementation of the reforms.
- The passage of the POTA Act in 2002 due to objections of Rajya Sabha’s joint sitting of Parliament was called under Article 108 to discuss the provisions.
Conclusion
Even through the ups and downs of Indian politics, the Rajya Sabha has remained a vanguard for political and social values, a melting pot of cultural diversity. It has helped in assimilating the aspirations of the people of India and protecting their interests. Rajya Sabha is deemed a safeguard against the possible absolutism of a unicameral legislature. As per Dr. S Radhakrishnan, “The Rajya Sabha no doubt, can’t make or unmake governments, but can be an effective deliberative body”.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What factors have contributed to the transformation of Rajya Sabha from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to a useful supporting organ in recent decades?
The transformation of Rajya Sabha can be attributed to several factors, including increased political maturity, diverse representation, and a more proactive role in legislation. The members’ commitment to constructive debates and consensus-building has significantly enhanced the utility of the house.
2. In what areas has the Rajya Sabha demonstrated its increased effectiveness as a supporting organ in the recent past?
Rajya Sabha’s effectiveness is notably visible in the review and revision of legislation, representation of states’ interests, and its role as a revising chamber. The house has become a forum for in-depth discussions on critical issues, providing valuable insights and amendments to bills, thereby contributing significantly to the legislative process.
3. How has the diversity of representation in the Rajya Sabha contributed to its transformation?
The inclusion of members with diverse backgrounds and expertise has enriched the quality of debates and discussions in the Rajya Sabha. This diversity ensures a more comprehensive examination of legislative matters, leading to well-informed decision-making and a stronger supporting role in the Indian parliamentary system.
4. Can you elaborate on the role of Rajya Sabha in protecting states’ interests and fostering federal cooperation?
Rajya Sabha, as the representative of states, plays a crucial role in safeguarding regional interests. By providing a platform for states to voice their concerns and contribute to policy formulation, the house fosters a sense of cooperative federalism. The increased recognition of the importance of state perspectives has enhanced the overall effectiveness of Rajya Sabha as a supporting organ.
5. How has the Rajya Sabha contributed to a more proactive legislative process in recent decades?
Rajya Sabha’s evolution from a passive body to an active participant in the legislative process is evident in its thorough scrutiny of bills, suggesting amendments, and engaging in constructive debates. This proactive approach ensures a more balanced and well-considered legislative framework, marking a significant departure from its previous perception as a mere ‘stepney tyre.’
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