The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is an important part of India’s Parliament. It is the upper house of India’s bicameral (two-house) legislature, with the Lok Sabha being the lower house. The Members of Rajya Sabha play a crucial role in making laws, representing the states and union territories, and ensuring that India’s diverse regions have a say in national decisions.
What is the Rajya Sabha?
Imagine India as a big family with many states and union territories, each with its own needs and ideas. The Rajya Sabha is like a meeting room where representatives from these states and union territories come together to share their views and help make laws for the whole country. Unlike the Lok Sabha, where members are directly elected by the people, the Rajya Sabha represents the states and ensures their voices are heard in Parliament.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, which means it never dissolves completely. It’s always there to keep the government running smoothly, even when the Lok Sabha is not in session. The Vice President of India acts as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and a Deputy Chairman, chosen from among the members, helps manage the daily work.
Who are the Members of Rajya Sabha?
The Rajya Sabha can have up to 250 members, as per Article 80 of the Indian Constitution. Currently, it has 245 members, divided into two groups:
- Elected Members (233): These members represent the states and three union territories (Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir). They are chosen by the elected members of state legislative assemblies and electoral colleges of union territories.
- Nominated Members (12): These are special members appointed by the President of India. They are people who have done outstanding work in fields like art, literature, science, or social service. For example, famous personalities like scientists, artists, or social workers can be nominated to bring their expertise to the Rajya Sabha.
The number of seats for each state depends on its population. Bigger states like Uttar Pradesh have more seats (31), while smaller states like Sikkim have just one. This ensures that every state gets fair representation based on its size.
How are Members of Rajya Sabha Chosen?
The way Members of Rajya Sabha are selected is different from the Lok Sabha. Let’s break it down:
- Elected Members:
- From States: These members are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies (the people who make laws at the state level). They use a special voting system called proportional representation by single transferable vote (STV). This system ensures that the number of seats a political party gets matches the votes they receive. For example, if a party gets more votes in a state, they are likely to get more Rajya Sabha seats from that state.
- From Union Territories: For Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir, members are chosen by an electoral college made up of elected representatives from these territories. The same STV system is used here.
- Nominated Members: The President of India picks 12 members who have special knowledge or achievements in fields like literature, science, art, or social service. These members bring unique perspectives to the Rajya Sabha. However, they cannot vote in presidential elections, as per Article 55 of the Constitution.
- Qualifications: To become a Rajya Sabha member, a person must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Be at least 30 years old.
- Not be a criminal or hold any other government office that conflicts with their role.
- Meet other rules set by Parliament, like taking an oath of loyalty to the Constitution.
How Long Do Members Serve?
Each Rajya Sabha member serves for six years. But here’s something interesting: the Rajya Sabha is a continuing chamber, meaning it never stops working. Every two years, about one-third of the members retire, and new ones are elected or nominated to replace them. This staggered system ensures that the Rajya Sabha always has experienced members to guide discussions, even as new members join.
Members who retire can be re-elected or re-nominated, so some serve for many years if they keep getting chosen.
What Do Members of Rajya Sabha Do?
The Members of Rajya Sabha have important jobs that help run the country. Here’s what they do:
- Making Laws: Rajya Sabha members discuss and vote on laws (called bills). Most bills can start in either the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha, but both houses must agree for a bill to become law. The Rajya Sabha acts as a check to make sure laws are well thought out and fair to all states.
- Special Powers for States: The Rajya Sabha has some unique powers:
- It can pass a resolution (with a two-thirds majority) to allow the central government to make laws on topics that are usually handled by states (like education or agriculture) if it’s in the national interest.
- It can approve the creation of new All-India Services (like the IAS or IPS) that work for both the central and state governments.
- Checking the Government: The Rajya Sabha keeps an eye on the government to make sure it’s doing its job properly. Members can ask questions, discuss policies, and point out problems. This is especially important when the government doesn’t have a majority in the Rajya Sabha, as it forces them to explain their actions.
- Protecting State Interests: Since members represent states and union territories, they make sure that laws don’t harm their regions. For example, a member from Tamil Nadu might raise concerns about how a new law affects farmers in their state.
- Money Bills: For bills about taxes or government spending (called money bills), the Rajya Sabha has limited power. These bills can only start in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha can only suggest changes within 14 days. If the Lok Sabha doesn’t agree with the suggestions, the bill still passes.
- Joint Sessions: If the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha disagree on a bill, the President can call a joint session of both houses. Since the Lok Sabha has more members (up to 550 compared to Rajya Sabha’s 250), it usually has more influence in these sessions. Joint sessions are rare and have only happened three times in India’s history, the last being in 2002.
Why is the Rajya Sabha Important?
The Rajya Sabha is like a wise elder in India’s Parliament. Here’s why its members matter:
- Balance Between States and Center: The Rajya Sabha ensures that states have a say in national laws, keeping India’s federal system strong. It balances the power of the Lok Sabha, which represents the people directly.
- Preventing Hasty Laws: Members review bills carefully to avoid rushed or unfair laws. They take time to discuss and improve them.
- Continuity: Since the Rajya Sabha never dissolves, it provides stability. Even if the Lok Sabha is dissolved (like during elections), the Rajya Sabha keeps working.
- Expert Voices: Nominated members bring special knowledge to discussions. For example, a scientist in the Rajya Sabha might help shape laws about technology or the environment.
- Diversity: Members come from different states, backgrounds, and political parties, making sure all parts of India are heard.
Fun Facts About Rajya Sabha Members
- First Meeting: The Rajya Sabha held its first session on May 13, 1952, in New Delhi.
- Language Support: Meetings are conducted with simultaneous interpretation in all 22 official Indian languages, so members can speak in their native languages.
- Women’s Representation: The Rajya Sabha passed the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2010, which aims to reserve seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies. This shows its commitment to equality.
- No-Confidence Motions: Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha cannot bring a no-confidence motion to remove the government. This keeps its focus on discussion and law-making.
- Televised Sessions: Rajya Sabha proceedings are shown live on Sansad TV, so people across India can watch their members at work.
Challenges Faced by Rajya Sabha Members
Being a Rajya Sabha member isn’t always easy. Here are some challenges:
- Balancing Interests: Members must balance the needs of their state with national interests. This can be tricky if a law helps the country but affects their state negatively.
- Political Differences: The party in power in the Lok Sabha may not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha, leading to disagreements and delays in passing laws.
- Public Expectations: Members are expected to raise important issues and solve problems, which requires a lot of research and effort.
- Time Limits: For money bills, members have only 14 days to suggest changes, which can feel rushed.
How Can You Learn More About Rajya Sabha Members?
If you’re curious about who the current Rajya Sabha members are, you can:
- Visit the official Rajya Sabha website (cms.rajyasabha.nic.in) for a list of members, their states, and political parties.
- Watch Sansad TV to see live debates and discussions.
- Check government portals like www.india.gov.in for updates on Parliament activities.
- Read news articles or educational websites like BYJU’S for simplified explanations and lists of members.
Why Should You Care?
Whether you’re a student or an adult, understanding the Members of Rajya Sabha helps you know how India’s government works. These members make decisions that affect your schools, roads, hospitals, and more. By learning about them, you can understand how your state’s voice reaches the national stage and how laws are made to improve our lives.
For example, if you live in Kerala and a new law about fishing is being discussed, your Rajya Sabha member might speak up to protect fishermen’s rights. Knowing who they are and what they do helps you stay informed and maybe even inspire you to vote or participate in democracy when you’re older!
The Members of Rajya Sabha are like the guardians of India’s states and union territories. They work hard to make fair laws, represent their regions, and keep the government in check. From elected representatives to nominated experts, they bring diverse ideas to the table, ensuring that India’s Parliament reflects the country’s vast diversity. Whether you’re a 5th standard student curious about how India works or an adult wanting to stay informed, understanding the Rajya Sabha is a great way to connect with our democracy!
So, next time you hear about a new law or see a debate on TV, remember the Members of Rajya Sabha who are working to make India a better place for all of us.
Sources:
- Rajya Sabha Official Website: cms.rajyasabha.nic.in
1. Who are Members of Rajya Sabha?
Members of Rajya Sabha are the elected or nominated representatives who serve in the Upper House of the Parliament of India. They discuss and pass laws, represent states and union territories, and participate in national decision-making.
2. How many Members of Rajya Sabha are there in total?
The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members. Out of these, 238 members are elected by states and union territories, and 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their special contribution in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
3. How are Members of Rajya Sabha elected?
Members of Rajya Sabha are not directly elected by the public. Instead, they are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and by the representatives of Union Territories through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
4. What is the term of Members of Rajya Sabha?
Each Member of Rajya Sabha serves a term of six years. However, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is never dissolved. Every two years, one-third of its members retire, and new members are elected.
5. What are the qualifications to become a Member of Rajya Sabha?
To become a Member of Rajya Sabha, a person must:
- Be a citizen of India
- Be at least 30 years old
- Possess qualifications laid down by Parliament from time to time
6. What role do Members of Rajya Sabha play in Parliament?
Members of Rajya Sabha discuss, debate, and pass bills, review laws made by the Lok Sabha, represent the interests of their respective states, and hold the government accountable. They also take part in constitutional amendments.
7. How are nominated Members of Rajya Sabha chosen?
The President of India nominates 12 Members of Rajya Sabha from fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. This ensures that the House benefits from the knowledge and expertise of distinguished personalities.
8. Can Members of Rajya Sabha become Ministers?
Yes, Members of Rajya Sabha can become Ministers, including the Prime Minister of India. For example, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was a Member of Rajya Sabha, served as the Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.
9. What is the difference between Members of Rajya Sabha and Members of Lok Sabha?
- Members of Rajya Sabha are elected by state legislatures, while Members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people.
- Rajya Sabha represents states and union territories, while Lok Sabha represents the people of India.
- Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, whereas Lok Sabha is dissolved every five years.
10. Why are Members of Rajya Sabha important?
Members of Rajya Sabha are important because they provide representation to states, bring in expert knowledge through nominated members, and act as a check on the Lok Sabha, ensuring that laws are carefully reviewed before becoming final.
