📘 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?
- Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills.
- A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States.
- The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.
- 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
| Aspect | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Rejection | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Amendments | Final authority | Only recommendations |
| Time limit | — | 14 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.
