Rajya Sabha: Comprehensive Overview for UPSC CSE Preparation

1. What is Rajya Sabha?

• Definition: The Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. It serves as a representative of the states and union territories of India.
• Significance: Rajya Sabha, along with the Lok Sabha and the President, forms the Parliament of India. The Rajya Sabha introduces and passes constitutional amendment bills, and it plays a key role in scrutinizing government policies​​.

2. History of Rajya Sabha

• Origin: The concept of a bicameral legislature was introduced by the Montague-Chelmsford Report of 1919. The Government of India Act, 1919, laid the foundation for the Council of State (later known as Rajya Sabha)​​.
• Formation: The Rajya Sabha was constituted on April 3, 1952, and held its first session on May 13, 1952. Initially called the Council of States, it was later renamed Rajya Sabha in 1954​​.
• Evolution: Post-independence, the Constituent Assembly acted as a provisional parliament until the first general elections in 1952. The Council of States was restructured as Rajya Sabha with a different composition​​.

3. Overview of Rajya Sabha

• Permanent House: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that safeguards the interests of the states. One-third of its members retire every two years​​.
• Basic Facts: The Rajya Sabha has 250 members, with 229 seats for states, 4 for union territories, and 12 nominated members. The Vice-President of India is the Chairman, and the term is six years​​.

4. Composition of Rajya Sabha

• Article 80: According to Article 80 of the Indian Constitution, the Rajya Sabha can have up to 250 members, with 12 nominated by the President and the rest representing states and union territories​​.
• Current Status: The Rajya Sabha currently has 239 members, including 12 nominated by the Parliament, 8 from Union Territories, and 225 from Indian States​​.

5. Rajya Sabha Seats

• State-wise Division: The number of seats is distributed among the states based on population, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest representation with 31 seats​​.

6. Rajya Sabha Members

• Tenure: Members serve for six years, with one-third retiring every two years. This ensures the continuity of the house.
• Positions: The Rajya Sabha has a Senior Minister (leader of the house), Deputy Chairman (elected by members), and Vice-President as the ex-officio Chairman​​.

7. Speaker of Rajya Sabha

• Role: The Vice-President of India serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, overseeing sessions and moderating debates. The Deputy Chairman is elected from among the members​​.
• Responsibilities: The Chairman communicates the President’s messages, presides over meetings, and issues warrants as needed. The current Chairman is Jagdeep Dhankhar​​.

8. How are the Rajya Sabha Members Elected?

• Election Process: Members are elected by the State Legislative Assembly’s elected members through proportional representation using a single transferable vote. Nominees must be Indian citizens and at least 30 years old​​.

9. Rajya Sabha Election Process

• Types of Representation:

1.     Nominated Members: 12 members are nominated by the President for their expertise in fields like art, science, and literature.

2.     Union Territories: Members from union territories are elected by the electoral college using proportional representation.

3.     States: Members from states are elected by the Legislative Assembly, with representation based on population​​.

10. Chairman of Rajya Sabha

• Vice-President's Role: The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, responsible for proceedings and maintaining order. A Deputy Chairman is elected from among the members to assist​​.

11. Powers of Rajya Sabha

• Legislative Authority: The Rajya Sabha can authorize the Parliament to make laws on matters reserved for states, provided it passes a resolution with a two-thirds majority​​.
• Checks and Balances: The Rajya Sabha balances the power between the Union and the States by passing resolutions or approving emergency proclamations when the Lok Sabha is dissolved​​.

12. Functions of Rajya Sabha

• Legislation: Authorizes the Parliament to legislate on state matters and establish new all-India services by passing resolutions with a two-thirds majority​​.
• Emergency Powers: In case of emergency proclamations, the Rajya Sabha has special powers to approve them when the Lok Sabha is dissolved​​.

13. Role of Rajya Sabha in Financial Matters

• Limited Power: The Rajya Sabha cannot introduce money bills, but it can review and make recommendations on them. These recommendations can be accepted or rejected by the Lok Sabha​​.
• Financial Bills: Other financial bills cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting its limited role in financial governance​​.

14. Difference Between Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha

FAQs on Rajya Sabha

1.     What is Rajya Sabha?

·         The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of India's bicameral Parliament. It protects states' rights against the Union government and meets continuously​​.

2.     How many Members are in Rajya Sabha?

·         The Rajya Sabha has a maximum of 250 members, currently 239, including a Senior Minister, Deputy Chairman, and Vice-President as the ex-officio Chairman​​.

3.     Who is the Chairman of Rajya Sabha?

·         The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman. The current Chairman is Jagdeep Dhankhar​​.

4.     What is the role of Rajya Sabha in Parliament?

·         The Rajya Sabha represents states in the Union Legislature and can authorize the Parliament to create new all-India services​​.

5.     Why is Rajya Sabha called a permanent house?

·         The Rajya Sabha is called a permanent house because it is not subject to dissolution, with one-third of its members retiring every two years​​.

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