Members of the Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of India. It plays a crucial role in the Indian legislative process, alongside the Lok Sabha, the lower house. The Rajya Sabha consists of a maximum of 250 members, representing the states and union territories of India.

Composition

The Rajya Sabha has a total of 245 members, as outlined in the Constitution of India:

• 233 members are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry, based on proportional representation through the single transferable vote system.
• 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their expertise in specific fields, such as literature, science, art, and social service.

The allocation of seats to each state and union territory is determined by their population, as per the latest census. The representation of states in the Rajya Sabha ranges from 1 seat for smaller states like Goa and Sikkim to 31 seats for Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India.

Eligibility and Tenure

To be eligible for election or nomination to the Rajya Sabha, a person must:

• Be a citizen of India
• Be at least 30 years of age
• Not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any state government
• Possess other qualifications as may be prescribed by Parliament

The term of office for Rajya Sabha members is six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years. This ensures continuity and prevents a complete overhaul of the house at any given time. Members are eligible for re-election or re-nomination upon the completion of their term.

Functions and Powers

The Rajya Sabha has several important functions and powers, including:

• Legislative Powers: The Rajya Sabha participates in the legislative process by debating and passing bills. Most bills can be introduced in either house of Parliament, except for Money Bills, which must originate in the Lok Sabha. In case of a deadlock between the two houses, a joint sitting may be convened by the President to resolve the issue.
• Constitutional Amendments: Any amendment to the Constitution must be passed by a two-thirds majority in each house of Parliament, including the Rajya Sabha.
• Oversight Functions: The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in overseeing the executive branch of the government. Members can ask questions, discuss issues of public importance, and express their views on government policies and actions.
• Representation of States: As representatives of the states and union territories, Rajya Sabha members voice the concerns and aspirations of their constituents in the national legislative process.
• Election and Removal of High Officials: The Rajya Sabha, along with the Lok Sabha, participates in the election of the President and Vice President of India. It also has the power to initiate the removal of the President, Vice President, and Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts through a process of impeachment.

Notable Members

Over the years, the Rajya Sabha has had many distinguished members who have contributed significantly to India’s political, social, and economic development. Some notable members include:

• B.R. Ambedkar: The principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of social justice.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: India’s first Prime Minister and a key figure in the Indian independence movement.
• Indira Gandhi: India’s first and only woman Prime Minister, who served multiple terms.
• A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: A renowned scientist who later became the 11th President of India.
• Sachin Tendulkar: A legendary cricketer who served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2012 to 2018.

Challenges and Reforms

Like any democratic institution, the Rajya Sabha faces certain challenges and has been subject to calls for reform. Some of the key issues include:

• Representation: There have been concerns about the adequacy of representation for states with larger populations and the need for a more equitable distribution of seats.
• Attendance and Participation: The attendance and participation rates of some members have been criticized, leading to calls for stricter measures to ensure active involvement in the legislative process.
• Nominations: The process of nominating members to the Rajya Sabha has occasionally drawn criticism, with some arguing for greater transparency and accountability in the selection process.

Despite these challenges, the Rajya Sabha remains a vital pillar of India’s democratic framework, providing a platform for diverse voices and contributing to the robust legislative process that shapes the nation’s future.