What is Rajya Sabha?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Provided for under Article 80 of the Constitution of India.
- 2.
Maximum strength is 250 members: 238 elected representatives of states and Union Territories, and 12 nominated by the President for their special knowledge or practical experience in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
- 3.
Current strength is 245 members.
- 4.
Members are indirectly elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union Territories by means of proportional representation by a single transferable vote.
- 5.
It is a permanent house and is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring continuity.
- 6.
The term of a member of the Rajya Sabha is six years.
- 7.
Possesses special powers under Article 249 (Parliament to legislate on a matter in the State List if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution) and Article 312 (creation of new All India Services).
- 8.
Shares legislative powers with the Lok Sabha in most matters, but Money Bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha has limited powers regarding them.
- 9.
The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and a Deputy Chairman is elected from amongst its members.
- 10.
Quorum to constitute a meeting of the House is one-tenth of the total membership of the House.
Visual Insights
Rajya Sabha: Key Aspects
Mind map showing the key aspects of Rajya Sabha relevant for UPSC preparation.
Rajya Sabha
- ●Composition
- ●Election & Term
- ●Powers & Functions
- ●Chairman
- ●Article 249
Rajya Sabha: Key Developments
Timeline of key developments related to the Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha has evolved significantly since its inception, playing a crucial role in Indian democracy.
- 1952Rajya Sabha constituted for the first time.
- 197844th Amendment Act: Changes in powers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- 2015Debate on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in Rajya Sabha.
- 2019Passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act in Rajya Sabha.
- 2023Passage of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill.
- 2026Opposition walkout over Rahul Gandhi issue.
Recent Developments
3 developmentsRajya Sabha plays a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation passed by the Lok Sabha, often leading to amendments or delays.
The composition of Rajya Sabha reflects the political landscape of the states, influencing the passage of government bills.
Ongoing debates on the effectiveness of bicameralism and the specific role of Rajya Sabha in India's federal structure.