Page 23 – Parliament – Part III
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
Rajya Sabha represents the states of India and provides:
- Continuity (not subject to dissolution)
- Revision & review of legislation
- Expertise in law-making through nominated members
- Composition and election method
- Powers vis-à-vis Lok Sabha
- Special powers under Article 249 & 312
Composition of Rajya Sabha
Strength, election, and term
Total Strength
- 238 elected by State Legislative Assemblies
- 12 nominated by President
Current strength: 245 (233 elected + 12 nominated)
Term
- 1/3rd members retire every 2 years
- Permanent body – never dissolved
- Continuous existence ensured
Election Method
- Indirect election – by MLAs
- Proportional representation
- Single transferable vote (STV)
- Open ballot (2003 amendment)
Qualifications
- Citizen of India
- Age: 30+ years
- Registered voter in related state
- Not disqualified under law
President nominates persons with special knowledge/experience in:
- Literature
- Science
- Art
- Social service
Special Powers of Rajya Sabha
Unique powers not available to Lok Sabha
Article 249 – State List Legislation
Allows Parliament to legislate on State List items if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution with:
- Resolution valid for 1 year
- Can be renewed
- In "national interest"
Article 312 – All India Services
RS can create new All India Services in national interest:
- Resolution by 2/3rd majority
- Existing: IAS, IPS, IFoS
- New services can be created
- Common to Centre & States
Reviewing House
- Checks hasty legislation by Lok Sabha
- Provides second opinion on bills
- Ensures federal balance
- Deliberative rather than decisive
Limits of Rajya Sabha
Where Rajya Sabha is weaker than Lok Sabha
💰 Money Bills
Cannot introduce, amend, or reject. Only 14 days to recommend. Lok Sabha decision final.
⚖️ Executive Control
Cannot remove government. No-confidence motion only in Lok Sabha. Council responsible to LS only.
📊 Budget
Demands for grants not voted in RS. Appropriation Bill is Money Bill. Limited role in financial matters.
🔢 Joint Sitting
RS has fewer members (245 vs 543). In joint sitting, numerically disadvantaged.
Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha
Comparative analysis
| Aspect | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Represents | People of India | States of India |
| Election | Direct (by citizens) | Indirect (by MLAs) |
| Term | 5 years (can be dissolved) | 6 years (permanent body) |
| Minimum Age | 25 years | 30 years |
| Money Bill | Complete control | Limited (recommend only) |
| No-Confidence | Can remove government | Cannot remove government |
Simulation Lab
Rajya Sabha Special Powers
🧪 State List Legislation Simulator
Explore when Centre can legislate on State List subjects.
Select a scenario to understand RS special powers.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 Who elects Rajya Sabha members?
RS members are elected by elected MLAs (not nominated MLAs) through proportional representation with single transferable vote.
2 Article 249 allows Parliament to legislate on State List with:
Under Article 249, if RS passes a resolution by 2/3rd majority declaring it in national interest, Parliament can legislate on State List subjects for 1 year.
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Composition: 250 max (238 elected + 12 nominated) | Term: 6 years | Age: 30+
- 2 Art. 249: State List legislation | Art. 312: All India Services – both need 2/3rd RS majority
- 3 Permanent house: Never dissolved, 1/3rd retire every 2 years