The Parliament: Rajya Sabha Notes with PDF

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Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

1. Constitution & First Formation

• First constituted in 1952.

2. Composition & Membership

• Total Strength: 250 members.
• Elected Members: 238 members are elected by the elected members of State and Union Territory Legislative Assemblies.
• Nominated Members: The President of India nominates 12 members from fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
• Union Territories: They are represented in the Rajya Sabha.
• Minimum Age: A candidate must be at least 30 years old.
• Other Qualifications: A candidate must be registered as a voter in their representing state and must not hold an office of profit under the government.

3. Election & Representation of States

• Electoral College: Members are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) of the States.
• Basis of Representation: The allocation of seats to states and union territories is based on the ratio of their population.
• Constitutional Schedule: The Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with this allocation.
• Key State-wise Allocations:
  • Uttar Pradesh: 31 (Highest)
  • Maharashtra: 19
  • Tamil Nadu: 18
  • Andhra Pradesh: 18
  • West Bengal: 16
  • Madhya Pradesh: 16
  • Karnataka: 12
  • Gujarat: 11
  • Rajasthan: 10
  • Odisha: 10
  • Punjab: 7
  • Kerala: 7

4. Tenure & Permanent Nature

• Term: The tenure of a member is 6 years.
• Permanent Body: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and is not subject to dissolution.
• Rotation: To maintain its continuous nature, one-third of its members retire every two years.

5. Leadership & Presiding Officer

• Chairman: The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Therefore, the presiding officer is not an elected member of the house.
• Deputy Chairman: Elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha from amongst themselves.

6. Exclusive & Special Powers

• State List Legislation (Article 249): Has the exclusive power to authorize Parliament to legislate on a matter in the State List in the national interest. This requires a resolution passed by a special majority (not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting). Such a resolution remains in force for a period not exceeding one year.
• Creation of All India Services: Has the exclusive power to pass a resolution for the creation of new All India Services.
• Constitutional Amendments: Has equal power with the Lok Sabha in the process of amending the Constitution.

7. Powers regarding Money Bills & Budget

• Money Bills: Cannot reject or amend a Money Bill. It can only make recommendations, which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept.
• Demands for Grants: Cannot vote on the Demands for Grants (specific budget allocations).
• Discussion: Can discuss the Annual Financial Statement (the Budget).

8. Miscellaneous Facts

• Government Responsibility: The failure of the government (e.g., loss of a vote) in the Rajya Sabha does not lead to the resignation of the government, as it is responsible only to the Lok Sabha.
• Attorney General: Has the right to speak (but not vote) in the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.
• Parliament Composition: The Parliament of India consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.
• First Nominated Actress: The first actress to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha was Nargis Dutt.
• Presidential Power: The President does not have the power to dissolve the Rajya Sabha.
• Minister Participation: A Minister who is a member of the Rajya Sabha can participate in the deliberations of the Lok Sabha.

9. Powers it Does NOT Have

• The Rajya Sabha alone does not have the power to:
  • Change state territories or names.
  • Amend the President’s election procedure.
  • Determine the functions of the Election Commission.
  • These are powers exercised by Parliament as a whole.

Know More About  The Parliament: Rajya Sabha:

• The Parliament: Rajya Sabha – Old Year Questions
• The Parliament: One Liner Questions & Answers