The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. It plays a vital role in representing the states and union territories of India, and safeguarding their interests within the legislative process. In this article, we explore the structure, elections, and key facts about the Rajya Sabha in India.
What is Rajya Sabha?
The Rajya Sabha is one of the two houses of the Indian Parliament, with the other being the Lok Sabha. While the Lok Sabha represents the people of India through direct elections, the Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories. Its primary function is to ensure that the states’ interests are protected, especially when there is interference by the central government.
Rajya Sabha Membership
Members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected or nominated, and the house ensures diverse representation from different fields of expertise. It is empowered to deliberate on policies and laws affecting the federal structure of India.
How are Rajya Sabha Members Elected?
The election process for the Rajya Sabha is distinct from that of the Lok Sabha, as members are indirectly elected and not directly chosen by the public.
Election Process for Rajya Sabha Members
- State Representation: Members of the Rajya Sabha from states are elected by the members of the state legislative assemblies through proportional representation.
- Union Territory Representation: For Union Territories, members are elected indirectly by an electoral college formed for this purpose.
- Nomination: The President of India nominates 12 members from fields such as art, literature, science, and social service for their expertise and contributions to these areas.
Rajya Sabha Elections
The Rajya Sabha elections follow a unique proportional representation system using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) method, ensuring that every vote is counted in a way that reflects the proportion of seats in the legislature.
Types of Representation in Rajya Sabha
- State Representation:
- Members are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies.
- Proportional Representation through Single Transferable Vote (STV) is used.
- The population of the state determines the number of seats it holds in the Rajya Sabha.
- Union Territory Representation:
- Members from Union Territories (such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir) are indirectly elected by an electoral college.
- The STV method is used for elections.
- Nominated Members:
- 12 members are nominated by the President for their expertise in fields like art, literature, science, and social service.
Key Changes in Rajya Sabha Elections (2003)
In 2003, significant amendments were made to the Rajya Sabha election process:
- The requirement to be an elector from the respective state to stand for election was removed.
- The open ballot system replaced the previous secret ballot system for Rajya Sabha elections.
Can Rajya Sabha Get Dissolved?
Unlike the Lok Sabha, which has a five-year tenure and can be dissolved, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. It is also referred to as a ‘continuing chamber’.
Retirement and Elections in Rajya Sabha
- Every second year, one-third of the Rajya Sabha members retire.
- Fresh elections are conducted to fill these vacant seats, ensuring that the house remains active and functional.
- Additionally, nominations are carried out at the beginning of the third year of each Rajya Sabha term.
Conclusion
The Rajya Sabha plays an integral role in the Indian political system by ensuring the representation of states and union territories in the legislative process. Through indirect elections and nominations, it brings together diverse voices from various fields, making it an essential chamber in India’s bicameral parliament. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, ensuring continuity in its legislative duties. Understanding the structure, election process, and functions of the Rajya Sabha is key to comprehending the intricacies of the Indian polity.
This comprehensive overview of the Rajya Sabha is designed to provide valuable insights for anyone preparing for exams like UPSC or for individuals looking to understand India’s legislative system in-depth.