UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 44
With reference to Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements :
- When the Lok Sabha transmits Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill.
- When the Lok Sabha transmits Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations.
- In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for Finance Bill.
How many of the above statements are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (Only two)
Explanation: Rajya Sabha can amend or reject an ordinary financial bill, but may only recommend changes to a Money Bill. Joint sitting is possible, not automatic, for certain non-Money Bills.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct/True - For a Finance Bill not classified as a Money Bill, Rajya Sabha may amend or reject it.
2. Correct/True - For an Article 110 Money Bill, Rajya Sabha may only recommend amendments within 14 days.
3. Incorrect/False - A joint sitting is not *necessary* on every disagreement; Article 108 permits one for eligible Bills, but not Money Bills.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-it counts 1, but items 1, 2 qualify, giving 2.
B. Correct-exactly 2 of the 3 listed items satisfy the condition.
C. Incorrect-it counts 3, but only 2 qualify; item(s) 3 do not.
D. Incorrect-it counts 0, but items 1, 2 qualify, giving 2.
Review note: Finance Bill is used broadly; Money Bills and Article 117 financial bills have different Rajya Sabha powers. This explanation adopts the ordinary financial-bill reading intended by the key.