Tag: rajya sabha

Indian Parliament is Bicameral parliament. It contains two houses of the parliament named as Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

The Fourth Schedule to the Constitution provides for allocation of seats to the States and Union Territories in Rajya Sabha.  The allocation of seats is made on the basis of the population of each State.  Consequent on the reorganization of States and formation of new States, the number of elected seats in the Rajya Sabha allotted to States and Union Territories has changed from time to time since 1952.

The following matters are not affected in case of dissolution of the Lok Sabha:

• A bill originating and pending in the Rajya Sabha.
• A joint sitting of Parliament if notification of such a sitting has been given before the dissolution.
• Bills passed by both Houses and sent to the President for his assent.
• Bills returned by President for reconsideration.
  

Before the Constitution 70th amendment Act, 1992, Article 54 relating to the election of the President provided for an electoral college consisting only of the elected members of Parliament as well as the legislative assemblies of the States (not of Union Territories). The amendment provide for inclusion of members of legislature of Pondicherry and Delhi in representing these Union Territories in Rajya Sabha.

The Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian Parliament) is a continuing chamber which means it is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved although one-third of its members retire every second year.

The Deputy chairman or Vice-chairman of the Rajya Sabha is elected by the Rajya Sabha itself from amongst its members. It means that one has to be the member of Rajya Sabha for election to the post of the Vice Chairman.

The Vice-President of India is ex officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. While the workplace of the Chairman is empty, or amid any period when he acts or discharges the function of President, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha plays out the obligations of the workplace of the Chairman. If the office of the Deputy Chairman is additionally empty, the President chooses an individual from the House to play out the obligations of the workplace.

The Rajya Sabha is a continuing chamber which means it is a permanent body and not subject to dissolution like Lok Sabha. However, one- third of its members retire every second year. The retiring members are eligible for re election.

The members of the Lower House of the Parliament(Lok Sabha) are directly elected by the people from the territorial constituencies in the State. From one constituency only one representative is elected. The election is based on the principle of Universal Adult Franchise. Every Indian citizen who is above 18 years of age is eligible to vote at such elections. Accordingly the representatives of the Union territories are chosen by direct election. The President is empowered to nominate two members from Anglo Indian Community.