Rajya Sabha: Powers and Election

The Rajya Sabha

• The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament of India, representing the federal nature of the Indian political system.
• Each state and union territory is allocated a certain number of seats based on its population and other factors.
• The Rajya Sabha has legislative powers, but there are certain powers exclusive to the Rajya Sabha.

Functions of the Rajya Sabha

• Reviewing and questioning government actions
• Initiating impeachment proceedings against high-ranking officials
• Representing the Indian Parliament internationally
• Having special powers in certain circumstances, such as during a state of emergency

Election of Rajya Sabha Members

• The method of election is through a system of proportional representation by utilising the single transferable vote.
• Members are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies, while members from Union territories are chosen by the members of the Legislative Assembly of the concerned Union territory.

Qualifications for Membership

• Citizenship: The person must be a citizen of India
• Age: The minimum age for eligibility is 30 years
• Voter registration: The person should be registered as a voter in any constituency within the state or Union territory from which they seek election
• Disqualifications: Certain disqualifications, as specified in the Constitution of India, may apply

Fact Repository

• The Rajya Sabha has a distinctive feature known as "Permanent Special Invitee", where the President of India has the authority to nominate individuals who have expertise, experience, and knowledge in various fields to be permanent special invitees to the Rajya Sabha.
• These special invitees can participate in the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha but do not have voting rights.

Presiding Officer

• The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• The Vice President presides over its sessions.
• A Deputy Chairman is also elected to take care of the day-to-day matters of the House in the absence of the Chairman.

The Process of a Bill in the Rajya Sabha

• A bill is created by a Congress member or sponsored by multiple members.
• The bill is introduced in either the House or the Senate.
• The bill is referred to a committee for examination, where its chances of passage are assessed.
• The bill is referred to a specialized subcommittee for further study and hearings.
• The committee convenes to make changes and amendments to the bill before recommending it to the full chamber.

The Parliament

• The Parliament is the supreme legislative body at the central level.
• It consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

Functions of the Parliament

• Legislative Power: The Parliament has the power to enact, amend and repeal laws on matters within the Union List, the Concurrent List, and any other subject entrusted to it by the Constitution.
• Budgetary Power: The Parliament exercises control over the finances of the country.
• Oversight and Accountability: The Parliament can summon ministers, seek explanations, and hold discussions on matters of public importance.
• Constitutional Amendments: The Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution of India.

The Lok Sabha

• The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament of India.
• It is the representative body where Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected by the people of India through a general election held every five years.

Composition of the Lok Sabha

• The Lok Sabha consists of a maximum of 552 members.
• 530 members are directly elected by the people of India from their respective constituencies.
• 20 members are chosen by the President of India and represent the Union Territories without Legislative Assemblies.

Term, Election, and Qualifications of the Lok Sabha

• The Members of the Lok Sabha are elected for a term of five years.
• The President of India has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha before the completion of its term.
• The Lok Sabha members are elected through a process of general elections held at regular intervals.
• To be eligible for election to the Lok Sabha, a person must meet certain qualifications, including citizenship, age, and electoral roll.

Functions of the Lok Sabha

• Legislation: The Lok Sabha debates and passes bills, turning them into laws.
• Budgetary Power: The Lok Sabha exercises control over the finances of the country.
• Oversight and Accountability: The Lok Sabha can summon ministers, seek explanations, and hold discussions on matters of public importance.