Which of the following characteristics show the importance of Rajya Sabha in India’s Parliamentary form of government?

1. Introduction of annual budget before the Parliament. 

2. Keeping checks and balances in Republican government. 

3. Maintain federal equilibrium. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

a) 1 and 2 only 

b) 2 and 3 only 

c) 3 only 

d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: 

• The Annual Budget of the Government is laid before Rajya Sabha also, although the Budget speech is made in Lok Sabha only. 
• Rajya Sabha has no powers to vote on the Demands for Grants of the Ministries/Departments which is the exclusive domain of Lok Sabha. 
• The core rationale for having two chambers in a national legislature broadly flows from the need for checks and balances in a republican government to serve as an auxiliary precaution against abuse by majority factions. 
• Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and works on the principle of proportional representation. 
• Due to its wide membership base, it protects the interests of the states against the undue interference of centre thus maintaining federal equilibrium. 

Ans: (b)