Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 8, 2023
Lok Sabha is India's directly elected lower house, while Rajya Sabha is the upper house with appointed members.
Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lok Sabha, often referred to as the House of the People, is the lower house of the Indian Parliament. Its members are directly elected by the people of India through general elections. On the other hand, Rajya Sabha, known as the Council of States, is the upper house.
While Lok Sabha exercises more powers in areas like finance and budget, Rajya Sabha plays a vital role in representing the states and territories of India at the national level. The tenure of a Lok Sabha member is five years, unless dissolved earlier, whereas Rajya Sabha members serve six-year terms, with one-third of members retiring every two years.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are integral to India's bicameral parliamentary system, working in tandem to discuss, debate, and pass legislations.
Comparison Chart
Representation
House of the People
Council of States
Election/Selection
Directly elected by citizens
Nominated by the President & elected by state legislatures
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Tenure
5 years (or until dissolved)
6 years (1/3 members retire every 2 years)
Power in Legislation
Predominant in money bills
Advises and reviews, can't amend money bills
Maximum Strength
552 members
250 members
Compare with Definitions
Lok Sabha
Directly elected by Indian citizens.
Every five years, elections are held for the Lok Sabha.
Rajya Sabha
Can review but not amend money bills.
While the Rajya Sabha can discuss money bills, it cannot make amendments to them.
Lok Sabha
Has predominant power in financial matters.
Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Rajya Sabha
Comprises both elected and nominated members.
The President of India nominates some members to the Rajya Sabha for their expertise.
Lok Sabha
Holds a five-year tenure unless dissolved earlier.
The government can call for early elections before the Lok Sabha completes its term.
Rajya Sabha
Known as the Council of States.
Members of the Rajya Sabha are not directly elected by the public.
Lok Sabha
Also known as the House of the People.
The Lok Sabha debated and passed the recent education bill.
Rajya Sabha
Members serve six-year terms.
One-third of the Rajya Sabha members retire every two years.
Lok Sabha
India's lower house of Parliament.
The majority party in the Lok Sabha usually forms the government.
Rajya Sabha
India's upper house of Parliament.
The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in representing state interests at the federal level.
Common Curiosities
How are members of the Rajya Sabha selected?
Members are nominated by the President of India and elected by state legislatures.
What is the Lok Sabha's primary function?
Lok Sabha is responsible for discussing, amending, and passing legislation, especially money bills.
Can Rajya Sabha introduce money bills?
No, money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
What's the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
Lok Sabha can have up to 552 members, while Rajya Sabha can have up to 250 members.
Which house has more power concerning financial bills?
Lok Sabha has predominant power regarding financial or money bills.
Which house represents the states and territories at the national level?
Rajya Sabha represents the states and territories at the national level.
How frequently are Rajya Sabha members rotated?
One-third of Rajya Sabha members retire every two years.
Can the Lok Sabha be dissolved before its five-year term?
Yes, Lok Sabha can be dissolved before completing its five-year term.
Are Rajya Sabha members directly elected by the public?
No, they are elected by state legislatures and some are nominated by the President.
How long is the term for a Lok Sabha member?
Lok Sabha members have a term of five years, unless the house is dissolved earlier.
How are disputes between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha resolved?
If there's a disagreement between the two houses, a joint session can be called to resolve the issue.
Which house is known as the House of the People?
Lok Sabha is known as the House of the People.
Do both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have equal powers in all matters?
No, while they share many powers, Lok Sabha has more power in financial matters.
Who is the head of the Lok Sabha?
The Speaker is the head of the Lok Sabha.
Who is the head of the Rajya Sabha?
The Vice President of India serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
