The correct answer is: A. directly elected by the people on the basis of universal adult franchise
The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament of India. It is composed of 245 members, of whom 233 are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories, and 12 are nominated by the President of India. The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years, and one-third of the members retire every two years.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, and it cannot be dissolved like the Lok Sabha. It has a number of important powers, including the power to amend the Constitution, the power to approve financial bills, and the power to discuss and pass resolutions on matters of national importance.
The Rajya Sabha is a powerful and important institution in the Indian Parliament. It plays a vital role in the legislative process, and it helps to ensure that the voice of the states is heard in the national government.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Option B is incorrect because the members of the Rajya Sabha are not elected by the members of the state legislative assemblies. They are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories.
- Option C is incorrect because the members of the Rajya Sabha are not elected by the members of the state legislative councils. They are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories.
- Option D is incorrect because the members of the Rajya Sabha are not elected by the members of the state legislative councils and state legislative assemblies. They are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories.