Q. Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in

Explanation:

b) amending the Constitution

The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People) are the two houses of India’s Parliament. They have different powers and functions, but when it comes to amending the Constitution, both houses have equal powers. This means that for a constitutional amendment to pass, it must be approved by both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. This requirement ensures that significant changes to the Constitution cannot be made without broad consensus across both houses of Parliament.

Let’s briefly look at why the other options are incorrect:

a) The matter of creating new All India Services:

While the Rajya Sabha has a special power under Article 312 of the Constitution to initiate the process of creating new All India Services by passing a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, the final decision does not solely rest with it. The Lok Sabha also has a say in the matter, but the initiation power is unique to the Rajya Sabha.

c) The removal of the government:

The Lok Sabha holds more power in the removal of the government through a no-confidence motion. The Rajya Sabha does not have the power to introduce or pass a no-confidence motion against the government. This is a critical aspect of the parliamentary system that underscores the Lok Sabha’s role in holding the government accountable, as it is the directly elected house.

d) Making cut motions:

Cut motions are a tool used by members of the Lok Sabha to oppose and reduce specific amounts in the demands for grants. This is a part of the budgetary process where the Lok Sabha has exclusive powers. The Rajya Sabha does not have the power to make cut motions, reflecting the Lok Sabha’s primary role in financial matters.

Therefore, the only statement that correctly represents an area where the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have equal powers is b) amending the Constitution.