Piyush Goyal -Leader of House in Rajya Sabha

Union minister for commerce, consumer affairs and food & textiles, Piyush Goyal, is set to replace Thaawar Chand Gehlot as leader of House in Rajya Sabha.

Highlights

• This replacement signals the induction of younger leader for a role which is usually handled by veterans.
• Piyush Goyal was deputy leader when Gehlot was leader of the house.
• Thaawar Chand Gehlot has been now appointed as governor of Karnataka.
• Before becoming a minister in 2014, Goyal was BJP treasurer. He was also engaged in poll management activities.

Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha

Leader of House is the “leader and parliamentary chairperson” of majority party in Rajya Sabha. Leader is usually either a cabinet minister or another nominated minister. Leader of the House organizes government meetings and business in House.

Is it a constitutional post?

No. Office of leader of the House is not enshrined in constitution. It is provided under Rules of Rajya Sabha.

Rajya Sabha or Council of States

It is the upper house of bicameral Parliament of India. It has a maximum membership of 245 as of 2021. Out of 245, 233 members are elected by legislatures of states and union territories by single transferable votes through Open Ballot. 12 members are nominated by President for their contributions in the fields of art, science, literature and social services. Maximum seating capacity of Rajya Sabha is 250 in which 238 can be elected and 12 are nominated. Article 80 of Constitution provides that, members sit for staggered terms lasting six years. Elections are held every year with about a third of 233 designates up for election every two years.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2021