Q.<p>Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.</p>
How to approach: Use crisp sub-headings or comparative dimensions to emphasize key shifts and distinguishing characteristics, illustrating each point with a specific example.
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Open in 3D PYQ RealmSyllabus Point
Parliament and State Legislatures — Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
Approach
Introduction (30-40 words): Define the historical perception of Rajya Sabha as a secondary body or "useless stepney tire."
Body (80-90 words): Discuss factors contributing to the transformation and the visible impact of this transformation.
Conclusion (20 words): Summarize Rajya Sabha’s transformation into an essential, dynamic legislative body.
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Model Answer
Introduction
The Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, was established under the Government of India Act, 1919. While historically criticized as a redundant "useless stepney tyre" meant only to delay legislation, it has evolved into a crucial deliberative body and a pillar of federal balance.
Body Analysis
Factors Driving the Transformation
Cooperative Federalism: The deepening of democratic processes has elevated the Rajya Sabha's role as a platform to represent state interests, forcing the ruling government to seek consensus.
Rise of Regional Parties: Since the 1980s, the growth of regional parties has diversified the composition of the Rajya Sabha, giving regional issues a powerful voice in national law-making.
Era of Coalition Governments: The coalition era of the 1990s made the Rajya Sabha indispensable, as passing legislation required building broad political consensus across party lines.
Need for Expert Opinion: The complex nature of modern legislation (e.g., Personal Data Protection Bill, Surrogacy Bill) has highlighted the value of the Rajya Sabha's nominated experts and detailed committee reviews.
Visible Impact of the Transformation
Constitutional Decisions: The Rajya Sabha played a critical role in major legislative actions, such as the abrogation of Article 370, where its consent was vital.
Fiscal Reforms: The passage of the GST Act showcased the Rajya Sabha's role in securing state support for landmark economic reforms.
Legislative Check: Its ability to block or modify controversial bills, such as the rejection of the POTA Act in 2002 (which led to a rare joint sitting under Article 108), highlights its role as a check against hasty legislation.
Conclusion
Despite occasional challenges like disruptions and low productivity, the Rajya Sabha has successfully shed its image as a secondary chamber. It now functions as an essential deliberative house that strengthens Indian federalism and ensures robust legislative scrutiny.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2020 (Question 9) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR → Indian Constitution & Polity |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 15 Marks • 250 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 11–12 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Underline / Highlight: Bring out the most salient features, transitions, or turning points clearly and concisely without digression. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2020 GS2 (Polity & Constitution)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper II question on Polity & Constitution?
This 2020 GS Paper II question carries 15 marks with a 250-word limit and uses the "Underline / Highlight" directive. Use crisp sub-headings or comparative dimensions to emphasize key shifts and distinguishing characteristics, illustrating each point with a specific example. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words) and aim to finish within 11–12 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2020 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR under the syllabus module "Indian Constitution & Polity". You can explore all repeated questions from Polity & Constitution in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Polity & Constitution PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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