Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Parliament of India and represents the states and union territories.

Introduction

The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. It represents the federal structure of the Indian government by providing representation to the States and Union Territories. Unlike the Lok Sabha, it is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution.

Composition and Term

  • Maximum Strength: 250 members
  • Current Strength: 245 members (233 elected + 12 nominated)
  • Elected Members: Elected by the members of State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote
  • Nominated Members: 12 members nominated by the President from fields such as literature, science, art, and social service
  • Term: 6 years; one-third of members retire every 2 years
  • Minimum Age: 30 years

State-wise Rajya Sabha Seat Distribution

Here is a table of seats allocated to states and union territories in the Rajya Sabha:

State / Union Territory No. of Seats
Uttar Pradesh31
Maharashtra19
Tamil Nadu18
West Bengal16
Bihar16
Madhya Pradesh11
Karnataka12
Andhra Pradesh11
Rajasthan10
Gujarat11
Odisha10
Kerala9
Assam7
Punjab7
Chhattisgarh5
Haryana5
Delhi3
Jammu & Kashmir4
Uttarakhand3
Himachal Pradesh3
Tripura1
Meghalaya1
Manipur1
Nagaland1
Goa1
Arunachal Pradesh1
Mizoram1
Sikkim1
Puducherry1
Others (Nominated)12

Functions of Rajya Sabha

  • Legislative: Shares law-making powers with Lok Sabha (except for money bills)
  • Review: Acts as a revising chamber to review bills passed by Lok Sabha
  • Deliberative: Debates on national and international issues
  • Federal Role: Represents the states in Parliament
  • Executive Oversight: Can question ministers and discuss policies
  • Special Powers: Can empower Parliament to make laws on state subjects (Art. 249)

Special Powers of Rajya Sabha

  • Under Article 249, it can authorize Parliament to legislate on State List subjects
  • Under Article 312, it can create new All India Services
  • Can initiate impeachment of the President and judges (along with Lok Sabha)

Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

  • Lok Sabha is directly elected; Rajya Sabha is indirectly elected
  • Lok Sabha has more financial powers
  • Lok Sabha can be dissolved; Rajya Sabha is a permanent body
  • Money Bills can only originate in Lok Sabha

Previous Year Questions

  • Q1 (UPSC 2020): What is the tenure of Rajya Sabha members?
  • 6 years, with one-third retiring every 2 years.
  • Q2 (SSC CGL 2021): How are members of Rajya Sabha elected?
  • By elected members of State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
  • Q3 (RRB NTPC 2018): What is the total strength of Rajya Sabha?
  • Maximum 250; Presently 245 (233 elected + 12 nominated).
  • Q4 (HSSC 2020): Who is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha?
  • Vice-President of India.
  • Q5 (SSC JE 2019): Which Article gives Rajya Sabha special power to legislate on state subjects?
  • Article 249.
  • Q6 (UPSC 2019): What is the minimum age to be elected to the Rajya Sabha?
  • 30 years.
  • Q7 (RRB Group D 2019): What is the maximum number of nominated members in Rajya Sabha?
  • 12.
  • Q8 (SSC CHSL 2021): Can Rajya Sabha initiate a money bill?
  • No, only Lok Sabha can introduce a money bill.
  • Q9 (HPSC 2021): Name two special powers of Rajya Sabha.
  • Power to legislate on state subjects (Art. 249) and create All India Services (Art. 312).
  • Q10 (UPSC 2018): Is Rajya Sabha a permanent house?
  • Yes, it is not subject to dissolution.
  • Q11 (SSC GD 2018): Who presides over Rajya Sabha in absence of the Vice President?
  • Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
  • Q12 (RRB ALP 2019): Who nominates members in Rajya Sabha?
  • President of India.
  • Q13 (SSC MTS 2019): Can Rajya Sabha dissolve the Union Cabinet?
  • No, only Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion.
  • Q14 (UPSC 2020): What is the role of Rajya Sabha in Presidential elections?
  • Its elected members participate in the election of the President.
  • Q15 (SSC CGL 2022): What is quorum for a Rajya Sabha sitting?
  • One-tenth of total membership.

Conclusion

Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in maintaining federalism and checking hasty legislation. Though it has lesser financial powers than Lok Sabha, it contributes significantly to the Indian legislative process and national discourse.

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