📘 Q.11 IAS Prelims 2024 — Polity & Governance: Money Bill & Role of Rajya Sabha

Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk


📍 The Question

Which of the following statements are correct in respect of a Money Bill in the Parliament?

  1. Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills.
  2. A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States.
  3. The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.
  4. Amendments to a Money Bill suggested by the Rajya Sabha have to be accepted by the Lok Sabha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 3 and 4


Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3


🎯 Theme of the Question

Indian Polity | Parliamentary Procedure | Money Bill | Rajya Sabha Powers | Articles 109–110

This is a high-frequency UPSC theme testing the asymmetric powers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in financial legislation.


🧠 Classroom Explanation

Let us examine each statement strictly with reference to the Constitution of India.


🔹 Statement 1

Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills.

✔️ Correct

  • Article 109 of the Constitution specifically lays down the special legislative procedure applicable to Money Bills.
  • It governs the role of both Houses after a Money Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha.

🔹 Statement 2

A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States.

✔️ Correct

  • As per Article 109(1):
    • A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha
    • It cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha

This reflects the principle that financial control rests with the directly elected House.


🔹 Statement 3

The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.

✔️ Correct

  • After passage in Lok Sabha, the Money Bill is sent to Rajya Sabha
  • Rajya Sabha:
    • Cannot reject the Bill
    • Cannot amend it on its own
    • Can only make recommendations
  • It must return the Bill within 14 days

🔹 Statement 4

Amendments to a Money Bill suggested by the Rajya Sabha have to be accepted by the Lok Sabha.

Incorrect

  • Lok Sabha has absolute discretion
  • It may:
    • Accept all recommendations
    • Accept some recommendations
    • Reject all recommendations
  • Even if Rajya Sabha returns nothing within 14 days, the Bill is deemed passed in the Lok Sabha form

📊 Quick Constitutional Snapshot

AspectLok SabhaRajya Sabha
Introduction✅ Yes❌ No
Rejection❌ No❌ No
AmendmentsFinal authorityOnly recommendations
Time limit14 days

🧩 Prelims Trap Alert

👉 UPSC often tests the phrase
“Rajya Sabha can suggest but cannot compel”

Never assume RS amendments are binding.


🧠 Memory Hook

Money Bill = Lok Sabha’s wallet, Rajya Sabha’s advice.


🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

In financial matters, democracy trusts the House closest to the people.

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