Sachin, Rekha, Aga nominated to Rajya Sabha

The government has nominated Sachin Tendulkar to the Rajya Sabha, along with actress Rekha and industrialist Anu Aga. The nomination of the 3 eminent personalities was approved by President Pratibha Patil. Article 80 of the Constitution provides for nomination of persons having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as literature, science, art and social service.

Under Article 80 of the Constitution that allows the President to nominate 12 members to the 250-member Upper House.

The names of Tendulkar, who has brought many a laurel to the country through his exploits in the game; Rekha, known for her brilliant and emotional portrayals in Hindi cinema in the 80s; and industrialist and social worker Aga were sent by the Prime Minister to the home ministry yesterday for approval by the president.

Sachin Tendulkar: He completed the historic achievement of scoring 100 international centuries in March 2012. He would be the first active sportsman and a cricketer to be nominated to Rajya Sabha. Tendulkar is the first sports personality to be nominated to Rajya Sabha while there have been several film personalities who have been nominated in the past.

Rekha: The 57-year-old Rekha was one of the top heroines of the 80s in Hindi films and and had won several national awards in her acting career.

Anu Aga: The 70-year-old Aga, former chairperson of Thermax Industries and a member of the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council, is a social worker who had figured among the richest Indians in a list by Forbes.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2012