Difference Between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy
Difference Between Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council
Can Rajya Sabha get dissolved?
Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and also called a ‘continuing chamber.’ Unlike Lok Sabha which usually runs for 5 years and the fresh elections are taken up, Rajya Sabha has no specific tenure and it keeps on running. Therefore, it is never dissolved.
Note:
Every second year, one-third of its members retire. For the vacant seats, fresh elections take place. However, nominations are taken up at the beginning of the third year.
Representation of the People Act, 1951 authorizes the President to make provisions to govern the order of retirement of the members of the Rajya Sabha.
These members are to be eminent persons in their respective fields which may be Art, Science, literature, Music or sports.
The rationale behind their nomination by the constitution makers is :
1. Being eminent persons in their field they can contribute to their field at the highest policy making body of the country
2. Their nomination to the Rajya Sabha will be an inspiration to others in their field
3. Their presence in Rajya sabha can contribute to constructive developements and bring fresh changes in the working of Upper house
Rajya Sabha Elections
There are three types of representation in Rajya Sabha :
Representation of States in Rajya Sabha:
Members are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies
Election Principle used – Proportional Representation by means of Single Transferable Vote
The population of the state is a factor that decides the representation of states in Rajya Sabha
Representation of Union Territories in Rajya Sabha:
Members of Rajya Sabha belonging to Union Territories are indirectly elected by members of an electoral college, that is constituted for this purpose
Election Principle used – Proportional Representation by means of Single Transferable Vote
Note: Out of 8 union territories, Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir have representation in Rajya Sabha.
Representation of Nominated Members in Rajya Sabha:
12 people are nominated by the President in Rajya Sabha for their contribution and expertise in the fields of:
Art
Literature
Science
Social Service
Facts related to Rajya Sabha elections in UPSC:
Two changes were made to Rajya Sabha election in 2003:
To be elected as a Rajya Sabha member from a particular state, the requirement to be an elector from that state was removed.
System of the open ballot was introduced in place of secret ballot system.
Some important difference between articles within the context of Indian Polity syllabus are linked below:
Difference Between Constitution and Law
Difference Between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy
Difference Between Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council
Can Rajya Sabha get dissolved?
Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and also called a ‘continuing chamber.’ Unlike Lok Sabha which usually runs for 5 years and the fresh elections are taken up, Rajya Sabha has no specific tenure and it keeps on running. Therefore, it is never dissolved.
Note:
Every second year, one-third of its members retire. For the vacant seats, fresh elections take place. However, nominations are taken up at the beginning of the third year.
Representation of the People Act, 1951 authorizes the President to make provisions to govern the order of retirement of the members of the Rajya Sabha.