Prelims 2023 · Polity and Constitution · Question 17
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?
Answer
Only one
Statement 1 — Incorrect. In UPSC usage, Finance Bill here refers to a bill dealing with taxation/revenue and requiring the President’s recommendation; the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it outright like an ordinary bill. So saying it can "amend or reject" is not correct.
Statement 2 — Correct. For a Money Bill, the Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject it; it can only make recommendations within 14 days.
Statement 3 — Incorrect. There is no joint sitting for a Money Bill. For a Finance Bill, joint sitting does not become necessary; at most, it may be possible in some cases of deadlock, but it is not mandatory.
Hence, only one statement is correct.