The Rajya Sabha : Know composition , members , election process !

Safalta expert Published by: Gitika Jangir Updated Sun, 02 Oct 2022 10:55 AM IST

Highlights

The Indian Parliament is made up of the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha, and the President of India. Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian parliament, often known as the House of Elders. Understanding Rajya Sabha is critical for the IAS Exam because it is the foundation of Indian politics. This page will go into detail regarding Rajya Sabha, the Rajya Sabha election procedure, Rajya Sabha seats, its chairman, and other topics.

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The Indian Parliament is made up of the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha, and the President of India. Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian parliament, often known as the House of Elders. Understanding Rajya Sabha is critical for the IAS Exam because it is the foundation of Indian politics. This page will go into detail regarding Rajya Sabha, the Rajya Sabha election procedure, Rajya Sabha seats, its chairman, and other topics. The post will answer a few questions that candidates may have when studying for the UPSC 2022.

Source: Safalta.com

IAS applicants should be aware that the topic 'Rajya Sabha' is particularly important for civil services examinations because it falls under the Political Science subject, which is important for both Prelims and Mains GS-II, as well as optional exams.a. If you are preparing for competitive exams and are looking for expert guidance, you can check out our monthly FREE Current Affairs E-book- Download Now.

Recommended: Study for your Exams with Safalta School online to boost your preparations. 

Looking for distinctions between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha? If so, you've come to the correct place. The Indian Parliament is comprised of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Lower House is known as the House of Representatives, while the Upper House is known as the Rajya Sabha. Though each house has its own functions and powers, there are certain distinctions between the two. Both Houses have different powers, compositions, elections, and other considerations. Learn about the distinctions between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha .

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Table of content

About Rajya Sabha

The Indian Parliament is bicameral, which means it contains two houses. Rajya Sabha, the upper chamber of Parliament, is one of those two houses. The Rajya Sabha is the nation's second chamber of parliament, representing the nation's states and union territories. It has the authority to protect the interests of the states and union territories whenever the centre interferes with their activities.

Rajya Sabha : Composition

There are total 250 Rajya Sabha in which. :
  • 238 represent States & Union Territories
  • 12 are nominated by the president
However currently there are 232 (13 Vacancies) Total – 245 which are :
  • 216 members represent the states
  • 4 members represent the union territories
  • 12 members are nominated by the president

How are Rajya Sabha members chosen?

Members of the Rajya Sabha are chosen by state legislative assemblies using a proportional representation system. The representation of states in the Rajya Sabha is unequal. It is determined by its population. States with a bigger population will have more Rajya Sabha seats than states with a smaller population.

How are Rajya Sabha's elections conducted ?

In Rajya Sabha, there are three categories of representation:
State Representation in the Rajya Sabha:
  • Members are chosen by members of state legislative assemblies. 
  • Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote was the election principle adopted. 
  • The population of the state influences state representation in the Rajya Sabha.
Union Territories' Representation in Rajya Sabha:
  • Members of the Rajya Sabha from Union Territories are indirectly elected by members of an electoral college formed for this purpose.
  • The election principle employed is Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote. 
  • The Rajya Sabha has representation from three union territories: Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Nominated Members' Representation in Rajya Sabha:
The President nominates 12 Rajya Sabha members for their contributions and skills in the subjects of:
  • Art
  • Literature
  • Science
  • Social Service
Facts about UPSC Rajya Sabha elections:
In 2003, two amendments were made to the Rajya Sabha election:
  • The criterion of being an elector from that state to be elected as a Rajya Sabha member from that state was eliminated. 
  • The open ballot system was established in place of the secret ballot system.

Who are the Rajya Sabha's Chairman and Deputy Chairman?

The Indian Vice-President serves as an ex-officio chairman of Rajya Sabha, while the deputy chairman is elected from among Rajya Sabha members. The following table contains information on the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Deputy Chairman:
Details Rajya Sabha Chairman Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
Role He is the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
When the following conditions exist, he presides over the upper house:

 

  • The chairmanship is no longer available. 
  • When the Chairman/Vice-President is required to function as President 
  • When the Chairman is not present at the meeting

In all three circumstances, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha enjoys all the powers of the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

Removal
He can be dismissed as Rajya Sabha chairman only if he is removed as Vice-President of India.

 

Note: While the resolution is being debated, he cannot preside over the house as chairman, but he can be present and speak in the house.

He can be ousted by a resolution passed by a majority of the Rajya Sabha members.

 

Note: Only after 14 days' notice can a resolution to remove him be moved.

Is he a member of the house? No Yes
Can he vote in the house?
In the first case, he is unable to vote.

 

Note: In the event of a tie, he has the right to vote.

When he preside as chairman, he cannot vote in the first instance but can cast a casting vote in the event of a tie.

 

Note: When the Chairman is present in the house, the Deputy Chairman is an ordinary member who can speak, participate in procedures, and even vote on house questions.

Salary
Fixed by Parliament

 

Note: His pay is deducted from the Consolidated Fund of India. (In the linked article, you can learn more about India's money.))

Note: When the Chairman of the House is required to act as President of India, he is not entitled to the salary of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, but rather that of the President of India.

Fixed by Parliament

 

Note: His salary is charged on Consolidated Fund of India


 

Which home is stronger, and why?

In almost every case, the Lok Sabha has more clout than the Rajya Sabha. Even in cases where the Constitution has placed both Houses on an equal footing, the Lok Sabha wields more power due to its larger numerical strength.

Who picks India's Prime Minister?

The president of India appoints the prime minister; but, the prime minister must have the support of a majority of Lok Sabha members, who are directly elected every five years, or he will resign.

Is Lok Sabha bigger or Rajya Sabha?

In conclusion, it is clear that the Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha in almost all matters. Even in those matters in which the Constitution has placed both Houses on an equal footing, the Lok Sabha has more influence due to its greater numerical strength.

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