Rajya Sabha


The Union Legislature - Concepts
Class - CET Group C Subjects
 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha (Council of States);

The origin of Rajya Sabha can be traced back to 1919, when in pursuance to the Government of India Act, 1919, a second chamber known as the Council of States was created, This Council of States, comprising of mostly nominated members was a deformed version of second chamber without reflecting true federal features. The Council continued to function until India became independent. The Rajya Sabha, its Hindi nomenclature was adopted on 23d August, 1954.

The Rajya Sabha is to consist of not more than 250 members 238 members representing the States and Union Territories, and 12 members nominated by the President. Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. However, one third of the members retires every second year, and is  replaced by newly elected members. Each member is elected for a term of six years.

The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. The House also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members. Besides, there is also a panel of "Vice Chairmen" in the Rajya Sabha The senior most Minister, who is a member of Rajya Sabha, is appointed by the Prime Minister as Leader of the House.

 

  • According to Article 80, the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha is 250.
  • At present, there are 245 members in Rajya Sabha, of which 229 members. The states and 4 members represent the Union Territories and 12 members are nominated by the President who is specialized or experienced in the fields of arts, literature, science, social service or cooperative.
  • The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution describes the allocation of seats for the states and Union Territories in the Rajya Sabha.
  • The representative of the states in the Rajya Sabha is elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly.
  • The election is done by single transferable vote according to the proportional representation method.
  • Seats are allocated to states for Rajya Sabha based on their population.
  • Uttar Pradesh has the highest number i.e. 31 members and one each from Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.
  • The Rajya Sabha has 10 members from the state of Rajasthan.
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    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    In which year did the Rajya Sabha hold its first sitting?

    Right Option : C
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    Question : 2

    Which of the following are correct :

    (a) The Deputy Chairman can be removed by passing a resolution by a majority of the then members of the Rajya Sabha.

    (b) Rajya Sabha can empower Parliament to legislate on subjects the State List.

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    The name of the upper house of the Indian Parliament is:  _____________________        [SSC MTS 2011]

    Right Option : B
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    Explanation
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