Prelims 2012 · archive
EasyWhich of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) To pass a resolution empowering the Parliament to make laws in the State List and to create one or more All India Services.
Option (b) is correct. Under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) can pass a resolution letting Parliament make laws on a State List subject in the national interest. Under Article 312, it can pass a resolution letting Parliament create one or more new All India Services. Each of these resolutions must be passed by at least two-thirds of the members who are present and voting. Only the Rajya Sabha holds these powers.
- ✗ (a) Under Article 3, Parliament can alter a State's territory, boundaries or name by ordinary law. Both Houses take part, and the Rajya Sabha has no special or exclusive role.
- ✓ (b) Article 249 (State List laws in the national interest) and Article 312 (creating All India Services) both need a Rajya Sabha resolution backed by at least two-thirds of members present and voting. The Lok Sabha has no such power.
- ✗ (c) Changing the President's election procedure needs a constitutional amendment passed by both Houses and ratified by at least half the States. The President's pension is fixed by a law passed by both Houses. The Rajya Sabha has no special power over either.
- ✗ (d) Under Article 324(2), the President fixes the number of Election Commissioners. The Rajya Sabha has no special role in deciding the Commission's size or functions.
Remember · Only the Rajya Sabha can pass the two-thirds resolutions under Article 249 (Parliament legislates on a State List subject) and Article 312 (new All India Services).
Sources
- Constitution of India, Article 249 (Power of Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List in the national interest) ↗ “if the Council of States has declared by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest that Parliament should make laws with respect to … if the Council of States has declared by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest so to do … Parliament may by law— (a) form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more States or parts of States”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2012, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·