Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

Rajya Sabha Elections

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Rajya Sabha Elections

Why in the News?

Results of the latest round of Rajya Sabha elections are out.

Elections to the Rajya Sabha: 

Details
Election Method
  • Members are elected indirectly by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the electoral college for UTs (Delhi and Pondicherry).
  • Using the proportional representation system via the Single Transferable Vote (STV) method and Open Ballot.
Composition • Total Members: Up to 250 members, with 238 elected and 12 nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services.
• Current Strength: 245 members (233 elected, 12 nominated).
Voting Requirements for Candidates Candidates must be proposed by at least 10 members of the State Assembly or 10% of the party’s strength in the Assembly.
Voting Process • Single Transferable Vote: Voters rank candidates based on preference. Votes are transferable if a preferred candidate is eliminated or achieves the quota.
• Open Ballot System: Employed to facilitate transparency in the voting process.
Election Procedure • Quota System: To win, a candidate must obtain a quota of votes calculated as [Total Votes / (Number of Vacancies + 1)] + 1.
Powers and Functions • Legislative Powers: Can introduce and pass bills except Money Bills.
• Special Powers: Can pass resolutions to create all-India services, make laws on state list subjects under certain conditions, and approve proclamations of emergency.
Sessions
  • 3 regular sessions each year: the Budget session, Monsoon session, and Winter session.
  • Special sessions can be convened as required.
Tenure
  • A permanent body that is not subject to dissolution;
  • One-third of its members retire every two years.
Chairmanship
  • Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  • House also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members.
Eligibility for Membership Candidates must be Indian citizens, at least 30 years old, and comply with other conditions set by the Constitution.
Disqualification Criteria Members can be disqualified for defection, certain criminal convictions, or if declared bankrupt, among other reasons.
Special Features • Nominated Members: Up to 12 members can be nominated by the President.
• No dissolution: Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved but operates as a continuous body.
Key Sessions and Administrative Details • First Sitting: Conducted on May 13, 1952.
• Secretary General: Acts as the chief executive officer and the administrative head of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

 

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following statements:

  1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
  2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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