The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament of India. It is composed of 250 members, who are elected or nominated for six-year terms. Of these, 238 members are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories, while 12 members are nominated by the President of India.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, which means that it is not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire every two years. This ensures that the Rajya Sabha remains a representative body of the people of India.
The Rajya Sabha has a number of important powers, including the power to amend the Constitution, the power to approve financial bills, and the power to hold the government accountable. It also has the power to elect the Vice President of India.
The Rajya Sabha is a vital part of the Indian Parliament. It plays a key role in the legislative process and in ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.
Composition of Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha is composed of 250 members, who are elected or nominated for six-year terms. Of these, 238 members are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories, while 12 members are nominated by the President of India.
The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories. Each state and union territory has a certain number of seats in the Rajya Sabha, which is based on its population. The members are elected by a system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote.
The President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. These members are chosen from among persons who have special knowledge or experience in literature, science, art, social service, or in some other field.
Powers of Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha has a number of important powers, including the power to amend the Constitution, the power to approve financial bills, and the power to hold the government accountable. It also has the power to elect the Vice President of India.
The Rajya Sabha can amend the Constitution by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting. However, an amendment to the basic features of the Constitution cannot be made without the approval of the Lok Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha has the power to approve financial bills, such as the budget. If the Rajya Sabha does not approve a financial bill within 14 days of its being sent to it, the bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses of Parliament.
The Rajya Sabha has the power to hold the government accountable. It can do this by asking questions, moving resolutions, and conducting debates. The Rajya Sabha can also impeach the President of India.
The Rajya Sabha has the power to elect the Vice President of India. The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Role of Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha plays a key role in the legislative process. It can amend the Constitution, approve financial bills, and hold the government accountable. It also has the power to elect the Vice President of India.
The Rajya Sabha is a vital part of the Indian Parliament. It plays a key role in ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Rajya Sabha?
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament of India. It is composed of 250 members, who are elected or nominated for six-year terms.
- How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories. Each state and union territory has a certain number of seats in the Rajya Sabha, which is based on its population. The members are elected by a system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote.
- What are the powers of the Rajya Sabha?
The Rajya Sabha has a number of important powers, including the power to amend the Constitution, the power to approve financial bills, and the power to hold the government accountable. It also has the power to elect the Vice President of India.
- What is the role of the Rajya Sabha?
The Rajya Sabha plays a key role in the legislative process. It can amend the Constitution, approve financial bills, and hold the government accountable. It also has the power to elect the Vice President of India.
- Why is the Rajya Sabha important?
The Rajya Sabha is important because it plays a key role in the legislative process and in ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.