Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha, officially known as the Council of States, is the upper chamber of the Parliament of India, functioning alongside the Lok Sabha, the lower chamber. It represents the federal structure of the nation by giving voice to the states and union territories in the national legislative process. As a permanent house that cannot be dissolved, it ensures continuity and stability in governance.

Background and Historical Context

The Rajya Sabha was constituted under the Constitution of India (1950) and held its first sitting on 13 May 1952. It was designed to act as a revising chamber and a forum for representing the interests of the constituent states of the Indian Union.

Establishment and Purpose

The creation of the Rajya Sabha was influenced by the British parliamentary model, where the House of Lords served as the upper house. However, unlike its British counterpart, the Rajya Sabha was conceived to balance India’s federal structure rather than represent hereditary privilege. It was envisaged as a body that could deliberate on legislative matters with prudence and depth, providing a check on transient political pressures in the directly elected Lok Sabha.

Composition and Membership

The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 members, though it currently comprises 245.

Elected and Nominated Members

• 233 members are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and by representatives of Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry through the proportional representation system using the single transferable vote.
• 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their distinguished contributions in the fields of literature, science, art, and social service.

Representation of States

The allocation of seats to each state and union territory is based on population figures from the latest census. Larger states, such as Uttar Pradesh, hold 31 seats, whereas smaller ones like Sikkim and Goa have one seat each. This proportional distribution ensures both inclusivity and equity within the federal structure.

Eligibility and Tenure

To qualify for election or nomination to the Rajya Sabha, a candidate must:

• Be a citizen of India;
• Be at least 30 years old;
• Not hold any office of profit under the Union or State Government;
• Meet any additional qualifications prescribed by Parliament.

Duration of Membership

Members serve a six-year term, with one-third retiring every two years, guaranteeing continuity in the functioning of the house. The Rajya Sabha, therefore, is a permanent body that is never dissolved, unlike the Lok Sabha, which has a fixed five-year term and may be dissolved earlier.

Powers and Functions

The Rajya Sabha exercises a range of legislative, constitutional, supervisory, and federal powers essential to India’s democratic process.

Legislative Functions

The Rajya Sabha shares equal powers with the Lok Sabha in most legislative matters. Bills (other than Money Bills) can originate in either house. If disagreement arises between the two houses, the President may convene a joint sitting to resolve it.

Financial Powers

While the Lok Sabha holds primacy in financial matters, especially concerning Money Bills, the Rajya Sabha can discuss and suggest amendments to such bills, though it cannot reject or amend them independently.

Constitutional Functions

Amendments to the Constitution of India require the approval of two-thirds of members present and voting in each house. The Rajya Sabha thus holds equal authority with the Lok Sabha in shaping and revising the nation’s constitutional framework.

Oversight and Supervisory Role

The Rajya Sabha exercises control over the executive through questions, debates, and motions. Members frequently discuss matters of public importance, ensuring that the government remains accountable to Parliament.

Federal Powers

Under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution, by a two-thirds majority, allowing Parliament to make laws on matters in the State List in the national interest. This power highlights its unique role in maintaining the unity of India’s federal system.

Presiding Officers and Sessions

The Vice President of India serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. A Deputy Chairman, elected from among the members, presides in the Chairman’s absence.

Parliamentary Sessions

The Rajya Sabha meets in three regular sessions each year:

• Budget Session (February–May)
• Monsoon Session (July–September)
• Winter Session (November–December)

Decisions are typically made by simple majority, except where the Constitution specifies otherwise. The proceedings follow strict rules of parliamentary procedure to maintain decorum and efficiency.

Distinguished Members and Contributions

The Rajya Sabha has historically included many eminent personalities who have made substantial contributions to Indian politics, society, and intellectual life.

Notable Members

• Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – Architect of the Indian Constitution and a pioneering social reformer.
• Jawaharlal Nehru – India’s first Prime Minister and visionary of the nation’s modern identity.
• Indira Gandhi – The first woman Prime Minister, known for her strong leadership and political acumen.
• Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam – Eminent scientist and later President of India.
• Sachin Tendulkar – Legendary cricketer, nominated for his contribution to sports.

These members reflect the inclusive character of the Rajya Sabha, which accommodates distinguished figures from diverse fields beyond politics.

Challenges and Contemporary Issues

Despite its significance, the Rajya Sabha faces a number of challenges that affect its functioning and perception.

Representation Concerns

Critics argue that the existing distribution of seats among states does not fully reflect demographic changes, prompting calls for a re-evaluation of seat allocation based on newer census data.

Attendance and Participation

Low attendance during sessions and limited participation by some members have been recurring issues. Proposals include performance-based accountability measures to encourage active engagement in debates.

Nominated Members and Transparency

The nominating process has occasionally been questioned for political motivations rather than merit-based selections. Many reformists advocate for greater transparency and adherence to the constitutional intent behind these nominations.

Significance in Indian Democracy

The Rajya Sabha plays a vital role in sustaining India’s parliamentary democracy by providing a forum for in-depth deliberation and a stabilising influence on the legislative process.

Guardian of Federalism

As a chamber representing states and union territories, it reinforces India’s federal character, ensuring that regional interests are not overshadowed by the central majority in the Lok Sabha.

Revisory and Balancing Role

The Rajya Sabha acts as a revisory house, scrutinising bills passed by the Lok Sabha and preventing hasty legislation driven by transient political pressures. It embodies the principle of checks and balances essential to democratic governance.