Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha
source
Name	Rajya Sabha
Legislature	Parliament of India
House type	Upper house
Foundation	3 April 1952
Preceded by	Council of States (1919–1947)
Leader1 type	Chairman
Leader1	Jagdeep Dhankhar
Party1	Bharatiya Janata Party
Election1	11 August 2022
Leader2 type	Deputy Chairman
Leader2	Harivansh Narayan Singh
Party2	Janata Dal (United)
Election2	14 September 2020
Leader3 type	Leader of the House
Leader3	Piyush Goyal
Party3	Bharatiya Janata Party
Election3	14 July 2021
Leader4 type	Leader of the Opposition
Leader4	Mallikarjun Kharge
Party4	Indian National Congress
Election4	15 February 2021
Members	245 (233 Elected + 12 Nominated)
Political groups1	Government (113), National Democratic Alliance (113), Bharatiya Janata Party (93), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (3), Janata Dal (United) (1), Rashtriya Lok Dal (1), Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (1), Nominated (6), Opposition (101), Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (101), Indian National Congress (30), All India Trinamool Congress (13), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (10), Rashtriya Janata Dal (6), Aam Aadmi Party (3), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (5), Nominated (6), Others (31), Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (11), Biju Janata Dal (9), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (7), Nominated (4)
Term length	6 years
Voting system1	Single transferable vote
Meeting place	Rajya Sabha Chamber, Parliament House, New Delhi
Website	https://rajyasabha.nic.in/

Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of India. It represents the states and union territories of the Republic of India, providing federal balance within the legislative framework. Its establishment was formalized by the Constitution of India on 3 April 1952, succeeding the colonial-era Council of States.

History

The concept of a second chamber was extensively debated in the Constituent Assembly of India, with figures like B. R. Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru advocating for its federal utility. It was modeled partly on the House of Lords and the Senate of the United States. The first sitting was held in the old Chamber of Princes in Parliament House, New Delhi. Key historical debates within its chamber have included discussions on the Panchayati raj in India, the National Emergency of 1975, and landmark economic reforms like the New Economic Policy of 1991.

Composition and membership

The maximum strength is 245 members, with 233 elected by the State Legislative Assemblies using the Single transferable vote system. The President of India nominates 12 members distinguished in fields like Literature, Science, Art, and Social service. Members serve staggered six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years. Representation is based on the population of each state, with Uttar Pradesh having the most seats and smaller states like Sikkim having minimal representation.

Powers and functions

While it cannot introduce or amend Money Bills, it possesses significant powers in other legislative domains. It can initiate and pass bills on any subject in the Union List and Concurrent List. The house has exclusive power to authorize Parliament to legislate on a State List subject by passing a resolution under Article 249 of the Constitution of India. It also plays a critical role in approving Proclamation of Emergency and the imposition of President's rule in states.

Role in legislation

Most legislation requires the concurrence of both houses. The Rajya Sabha reviews and suggests amendments to bills passed by the Lok Sabha, often sending them to Select Committees for detailed scrutiny, such as for the Goods and Services Tax bills. In cases of disagreement, a joint session can be convened, as happened for the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002.

Relationship with Lok Sabha

The relationship is defined by the constitutional principle of bicameralism, with the Lok Sabha holding primacy on financial matters. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the Lok Sabha. However, the Rajya Sabha acts as a revising chamber and a check on hasty legislation, ensuring regional interests are considered. Disputes over non-money bills can lead to legislative deadlock, resolved through mechanisms established by the Constitution.

Notable members and events

The house has been graced by eminent nominated members including Satyajit Ray, Ravi Shankar, and M. S. Subbulakshmi. Notable elected members have included former Prime Ministers like Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Historic sessions include the special midnight sitting for the Golden Jubilee of Indian Independence and the passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016 for the GST. Debates on the India–United States Civil Nuclear Agreement and the National Judicial Appointments Commission were particularly significant.

Category:Parliament of India Category:National upper houses Category:1952 establishments in India