Rajya Sabha

Template:Infobox legislature Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is the upper house of the Parliament of India. It represents the states and union territories and plays a key role in the legislative process. Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that cannot be dissolved, ensuring continuity in the Indian parliamentary system.^[1]

Composition

Rajya Sabha has a maximum of 250 members:

233 members are elected by the legislative assemblies of states and union territories using proportional representation
12 members are nominated by the President of India for their expertise in literature, science, art, or social service

Members serve for 6 years, and one-third of the house retires every two years.

Powers and Functions

Rajya Sabha shares most legislative powers with the Lok Sabha, except in financial matters. Key roles include:

Legislation – Reviews, debates, and passes bills (except money bills)
State representation – Protects the interests of states in federal structure
Oversight – Holds discussions and questions the government
Amendments – Participates in constitutional amendment processes
Can pass a resolution under Article 249 to enable Parliament to legislate on a state subject in national interest

Although it cannot initiate money bills, it can suggest amendments, which may or may not be accepted by the Lok Sabha.

Chairman and Deputy Chairman

The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The house also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members to preside in the absence of the Chairman.^[2]

Sessions

Rajya Sabha meets three times a year:

Budget Session
Monsoon Session
Winter Session

It meets in the same building (Sansad Bhavan) as the Lok Sabha but has a separate chamber.

Significance

The Rajya Sabha serves as a check and balance in the legislative process and ensures that the voices of states are heard in national policymaking. It also acts as a deliberative body providing informed debate on key issues.

References

[1] ttps://rajyasabha.nic.in/

[2] ttps://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/chairman.asp

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