The Constitution of India confers specific special powers on the Rajya Sabha that are not available to the Lok Sabha. These are primarily covered under Articles 249 and 312:
1. Power to Legislate on State List (Article 249): The Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution, supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, declaring that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest that Parliament should make laws with respect to any matter enumerated in the State List. This empowers Parliament to legislate on that subject for the whole or any part of India.
2. Creation of All-India Services (Article 312): The Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, declaring that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest to create one or more All-India Services (including an All-India Judicial Service). Upon such a resolution, Parliament can create these services by law.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option A: Changing the territory or name of a state (Article 3) is a power exercised by the Parliament as a whole (both Houses). It is not a special power exclusive to the Rajya Sabha.
- Option C: Amending the election procedure of the President requires a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368, which involves both Houses of Parliament. The President's pension is determined by an Act of Parliament (both Houses).
- Option D: Under Article 324(2), the President determines the number of Election Commissioners. While Parliament (both Houses) can regulate their conditions of service and tenure, it is not a special power of the Rajya Sabha.
