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Difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has to be understood to understand the union legislature of India. You can find more about Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha here!
Difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is not much known to the aspirants who are beginning their UPSC preparation. The difference between these two houses is expected owing to the different purpose of their formation.
By understanding the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, you can understand the Indian Union legislature in a better way. This is not just important for exams, but also for understanding India’s democratic structure.
Here, you can find the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in terms of their composition, structure, functions etc. Find out more about India’s legislature in this article!
The Union legislature is made up of two houses: the Lok Sabha or the House of the People, and Rajya Sabha, the House of the States. Both these houses, along with the President of India, make up India’s Parliament.
The Lok Sabha is a directly elected house, with citizens over the age of 18 participating in election of the members. The election to this house takes place every 5 years through the First Past The Post (FPTP) system.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, meaning there is no end to the tenure of the house. However, members have a tenure of six years, with one-third retiring every 2 years. Majority of the members of these houses are elected by MLAS of the States and one UT through proportional representation. The President also nominates 12 members to this house.
The difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha lies in multiple aspects, including election method, minimum age, strength, composition, etc. The details of the differences are given in the table below.
| Comparison Basis | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
| Previous Name | Federal Assembly | Council of States |
| Constitutional Provision | Article 81 | Article 80 |
| Minimum Age for membership | 25 years | 30 years |
| Term of the House | 5 Years | Permanent body with 1/3 members retiring every 2 years |
| Tenure of a Member | 5 Years | 6 Years |
| Presiding Head of the House | Speaker, who is elected | Vice-President of India |
| Composition | Maximum strength is 550
(530 represent states, and 20 represent union territories). Current strength is 543 members. |
Maximum strength is 250 (238 are elected and 12 are nominated). Current strength is 245 members. |
| Electoral College | Indian Citizens above the age of 18 in a particular constituency | Members of state legislative assembly (MLAs) and union territories with legislative assembly |
| Election Methodology | First Past The Post (FPTP) system. | Elected through proportional representation. |
| Main Role | Legislation, control over the executive, and financial powers. | Legislation, represent the states’ interests, create new All-India Services, checks and balances. |
In terms of composition, there is a visible difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The details of strength and composition are provided here.
| Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha | |
| Prescribed Strength | 550 | 250 |
| Current Strength | 543 | 245 |
| Nominated Members | 0 | 12 |
| Members from States | 524 | 230 |
| Members from UT | 19 | 3 |
There is a visible difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha when it comes to power enjoyed by the house. Some of these powers are related to budget, while others are related to extraordinary situations such as National Emergency. The details of powers are given below.
| Powers | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
| Money Bill | Can be introduced only in Lok Sabha. | Can only make recommendations. The house must return the bill within 14 days with or without recommendation |
| Financial Bill | Can be introduced only in Lok Sabha | Cannot introduced in RS but have equal powers in the passage |
| Budget | Discusses and votes on demands for grants. | RS can discuss the budget but cannot vote on demands for grants. |
| Discontinuing National Emergency | Can pass resolution for dissolution with a simple majority | No powers for discontinuing |
| No-Confidence Motion | Can remove the council of ministers by using this motion | No Power for bringing the motion |
| Adjournment Motion | Can be Introduced | Cannot be Introduced |
| Special Powers | No Special Powers |
|
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have similar functions. However, there is a difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in certain aspects, which are given below.
| Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha | |
| Main Functions | Control over the executive.
Introducing the Money Bill. |
Act as checks and balances on Lok Sabha.
Protect the interest of the states. |
| Presiding Over Joint Sittings | Speaker of Lok Sabha Presides | No Role for Chairman |
| Role for Eminent Professionals through Nomination | No Nomination | The President can Nominate 12 members. |
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The Lok Sabha has an approved strength of 550 members, whereas the Rajya Sabha has an approved strength of 250 members.
Members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people, whereas Rajya Sabha members are elected by MLAs of a state or UT.
The Lok Sabha represents the People of India whereas the Rajya Sabha represents states and UTs.
Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha enjoy the same status. However, Lok Sabha has more powers due to its direct representation of people.
Lok Sabha is considered more powerful due to its authority over key subjects such as finance and defence.
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