Members of Rajya Sabha are Elected by | How Members of Rajya Sabha are Elected: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

Understanding the process of how members of the Rajya Sabha are elected is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of India's parliamentary system. The Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, plays a significant role in Indian governance, representing the interests of states and union territories. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the electoral process governing the composition of this esteemed house.
Members of Rajya Sabha are Elected by | How Members of Rajya Sabha are Elected: A Comprehensive Guide
Members of Rajya Sabha are Elected by | How Members of Rajya Sabha are Elected: A Comprehensive Guide


The Electoral Process: Members of the Rajya Sabha are not directly elected by the public through general elections, as is the case with the Lok Sabha. Instead, they are elected by the method of indirect election, which involves elected members of the legislative assemblies of states and union territories. The process is governed by Article 80 of the Indian Constitution.

Key Points:

Composition: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. It consists of a maximum of 250 members, of which 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their expertise in various fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.


Election by Legislative Assemblies: The remaining members, up to a maximum of 238, are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the respective states and union territories. The allocation of seats to each state and union territory is based on its population, ensuring proportional representation.


The Value of Each Vote: The value of the vote of an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) is determined by a formula devised for this purpose. This formula ensures that the larger states do not have an undue advantage over the smaller ones in terms of representation.


Single Transferable Vote System: The voting system employed for Rajya Sabha elections is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. Under this system, voters have the option to indicate their preferences by ranking the candidates in order of their choice. This system promotes proportional representation and allows for the election of multiple candidates from a single constituency.


Term Duration: Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years. This staggered system ensures continuity in the functioning of the house while allowing for periodic renewal.

Conclusion: The process of electing members to the Rajya Sabha underscores the federal character of India's parliamentary democracy, wherein states and union territories play a crucial role in the representation of their interests at the national level. Understanding this electoral process is essential for grasping the functioning of one of India's most important legislative bodies and its significance in the country's governance structure.

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