3 minConstitutional Provision
Constitutional Provision

Role of Rajya Sabha MPs

What is Role of Rajya Sabha MPs?

The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Its members, called Rajya Sabha MPs, represent the states and union territories of India. Unlike Lok Sabha MPs who are directly elected by the people, Rajya Sabha MPs are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies and a special electoral college for union territories. The Rajya Sabha ensures that the interests of the states are protected at the national level. It provides a platform for debate and discussion on issues affecting the states. The maximum strength of Rajya Sabha is 250 members, with 12 members nominated by the President of India for their expertise in fields like art, science, literature, and social service. The term of a Rajya Sabha MP is six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years. This ensures continuity in the house.

Historical Background

The Rajya Sabha was created to provide a check on the power of the Lok Sabha and to ensure that the interests of the states were represented in the national government. It was first constituted in 1952. The idea behind having a second chamber was to have a more deliberative body that could review legislation passed by the Lok Sabha. This was inspired by the British House of Lords. Initially, the Rajya Sabha had fewer powers than the Lok Sabha, particularly in matters of money bills. Over time, its role has evolved, and it has become an important forum for debate and discussion on a wide range of issues. Amendments to the Constitution have also affected the powers and functions of the Rajya Sabha. For example, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which dealt with local self-government, required the consent of the Rajya Sabha.

Key Points

12 points
  • 1.

    Rajya Sabha MPs represent states and union territories in the Indian Parliament.

  • 2.

    They are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies, ensuring state representation.

  • 3.

    12 members are nominated by the President for their expertise in various fields, adding diverse perspectives.

  • 4.

    The term of a Rajya Sabha MP is six years, with staggered elections ensuring continuity.

  • 5.

    Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in passing most legislation, except money bills.

  • 6.

    Rajya Sabha can initiate legislation, providing a check on the Lok Sabha's legislative power.

  • 7.

    Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in amending the Constitution, requiring a special majority.

  • 8.

    Rajya Sabha holds the government accountable through questions, debates, and resolutions.

  • 9.

    Rajya Sabha can delay money bills for a maximum of 14 days, providing a limited check on financial matters.

  • 10.

    Rajya Sabha can create new All India Services under Article 312, impacting the bureaucracy.

  • 11.

    A Rajya Sabha MP can be a minister in the Union government.

  • 12.

    Rajya Sabha ensures federal balance by representing state interests in the Parliament.

Visual Insights

Rajya Sabha vs. Lok Sabha

Comparison of key features of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

FeatureRajya SabhaLok Sabha
CompositionRepresents States and UTsDirectly elected by people
ElectionElected by State Legislative AssembliesDirect Election
Term6 years (staggered)5 years
Money BillsCan delay for 14 daysFinal authority
All India ServicesCan create new servicesNo such power

Recent Developments

5 developments

The composition of the Rajya Sabha changes regularly as members retire and new members are elected (ongoing).

Debates continue regarding the effectiveness of the Rajya Sabha in representing state interests (ongoing).

Discussions occur on the criteria for nominating members to the Rajya Sabha (ongoing).

The role of Rajya Sabha in passing key legislation remains a subject of political debate (ongoing).

There have been calls for reforms to the Rajya Sabha to enhance its effectiveness and relevance (ongoing).

This Concept in News

1 topics

Frequently Asked Questions

12
1. What is the role of Rajya Sabha MPs and what is its constitutional basis?

Rajya Sabha MPs represent states and union territories in the Indian Parliament. They are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies. The Rajya Sabha ensures that the interests of the states are protected at the national level. The constitutional basis lies in Article 80 of the Constitution of India, which deals with the composition of the Rajya Sabha.

Exam Tip

Remember Article 80 relates to the composition of Rajya Sabha. This is a frequently asked factual question.

2. What are the key provisions related to the role and election of Rajya Sabha MPs?

Key provisions include: * Rajya Sabha MPs represent states and union territories. * They are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies. * 12 members are nominated by the President for their expertise. * The term of a Rajya Sabha MP is six years.

  • Rajya Sabha MPs represent states and union territories.
  • They are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies.
  • 12 members are nominated by the President for their expertise.
  • The term of a Rajya Sabha MP is six years.

Exam Tip

Note the election process and nomination process. Questions often differentiate between elected and nominated members.

3. What are the important articles related to Rajya Sabha MPs?

Important articles include Article 80 (Composition of Rajya Sabha), Article 84 (Qualification for membership of Parliament), Article 102 (Disqualifications for membership), Article 103 (Decision on questions as to disqualifications), and Article 105 (Powers, privileges, etc., of Houses of Parliament and its members).

Exam Tip

Focus on Articles 80 and 84. These are most directly related to the composition and qualifications of Rajya Sabha MPs.

4. How does the role of Rajya Sabha MPs work in practice?

In practice, Rajya Sabha MPs participate in debates, scrutinize legislation, and represent the interests of their states. They can raise issues of concern to their states and hold the government accountable. They also participate in parliamentary committees.

Exam Tip

Consider the practical implications of their role in representing states' interests when answering questions.

5. What is the difference between the role of Rajya Sabha MPs and Lok Sabha MPs?

Rajya Sabha MPs represent states and are elected by state legislative assemblies, while Lok Sabha MPs represent the people directly and are directly elected. Rajya Sabha has less power in money bills.

Exam Tip

The key difference lies in the mode of election and representation – direct vs indirect.

6. What is the significance of the role of Rajya Sabha MPs in Indian democracy?

The Rajya Sabha ensures that the interests of the states are protected at the national level. It provides a platform for debate and discussion on issues affecting the states. It acts as a check on the power of the Lok Sabha.

Exam Tip

Consider the Rajya Sabha's role in maintaining federal balance and preventing hasty legislation.

7. What are the challenges in the effective implementation of the role of Rajya Sabha MPs?

Challenges include ensuring that state interests are genuinely represented and addressing concerns about the criteria for nominating members. Debates continue regarding the effectiveness of the Rajya Sabha in representing state interests.

Exam Tip

Think about the practical difficulties in balancing national and state interests.

8. What reforms have been suggested to improve the functioning of Rajya Sabha MPs?

Discussions occur on the criteria for nominating members to the Rajya Sabha. Suggestions often involve strengthening the representation of states and ensuring more accountability.

Exam Tip

Consider reforms related to the nomination process and ensuring better representation of diverse interests.

9. How has the role of Rajya Sabha MPs evolved over time?

The Rajya Sabha was created in 1952 to provide a check on the power of the Lok Sabha and to ensure that the interests of the states were represented. Over time, its role has been debated and refined, but the core function of representing states remains.

Exam Tip

Understand the historical context and the original intent behind the creation of the Rajya Sabha.

10. What are some common misconceptions about the role of Rajya Sabha MPs?

A common misconception is that the Rajya Sabha is a redundant body. In reality, it plays a crucial role in representing state interests and providing a check on the Lok Sabha.

Exam Tip

Be prepared to defend the importance and relevance of the Rajya Sabha in the Indian political system.

11. What are frequently asked aspects of the role of Rajya Sabha MPs in the UPSC exam?

Frequently asked aspects include the composition, powers, and functions of the Rajya Sabha, and the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Prelims questions often test factual knowledge about the election and nomination processes.

Exam Tip

Focus on factual details related to election/nomination, powers, and constitutional articles.

12. How does India's Rajya Sabha compare with the upper houses of other countries?

Like upper houses in other countries, the Rajya Sabha is intended to provide a check on the lower house and represent regional interests. However, the specific powers and composition vary significantly across countries.

Exam Tip

Consider the different models of bicameral legislatures around the world and how they function.

Source Topic

J&K Parties Criticize BJP MP for MPLADS Spending in U.P.

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

The role of Rajya Sabha MPs is important for UPSC exams, especially in GS-2 (Polity and Governance). Questions can be asked about the composition, powers, and functions of the Rajya Sabha. Understanding the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is crucial.

Prelims questions often test factual knowledge about the Rajya Sabha, while Mains questions require analytical understanding of its role in the Indian political system. Essay topics related to federalism and parliamentary democracy can also draw upon this knowledge. In recent years, questions have focused on the effectiveness of the Rajya Sabha and its impact on policy-making.

For example, questions may ask about the justification for having a second chamber or the role of nominated members. Knowing the relevant Articles of the Constitution is essential.

Rajya Sabha vs. Lok Sabha

Comparison of key features of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha vs. Lok Sabha

FeatureRajya SabhaLok Sabha
CompositionRepresents States and UTsDirectly elected by people
ElectionElected by State Legislative AssembliesDirect Election
Term6 years (staggered)5 years
Money BillsCan delay for 14 daysFinal authority
All India ServicesCan create new servicesNo such power

💡 Highlighted: Row 1 is particularly important for exam preparation