Rajya Sabha – The Upper House of Parliament
The Rajya Sabha is also called the Council of States because it represents the states and union
territories of India.
Composition (Members of Rajya Sabha)
• Maximum Strength: 250 members
• Elected Members: 238 members represent States & Union Territories.
• Nominated Members: 12 members are nominated by the President of India.
o These are experts in art, literature, science, social service, and other fields.
• Term: Members are elected for 6 years, and one-third of them retire every two years.
Election of Rajya Sabha Members
• Members are indirectly elected by the Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) of
states and union territories.
• The President nominates 12 experts.
Qualifications to Become a Rajya Sabha Member
To be a Rajya Sabha member, a person must:
• Be a citizen of India.
• Be at least 30 years old.
• Not hold any government job or office of profit.
• Be registered as a voter in the country.
• Should not have any criminal cases.
Sessions of Rajya Sabha
Just like the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha meets at least twice a year. There are three sessions:
1. Budget Session (February - May)
2. Monsoon Session (July - September)
3. Winter Session (November - December)
Powers and Functions of Rajya Sabha
1. Legislative Powers (Law-Making Powers)
• The Rajya Sabha helps in making laws.
• It can introduce ordinary bills and constitutional amendment bills.
• However, if there is a disagreement between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on an
ordinary bill, a joint session is called.
• Since the Lok Sabha has more members, it has an advantage in a joint sitting.
2. Executive Powers
• Rajya Sabha has less control over the government compared to Lok Sabha.
• It cannot pass a No-Confidence Motion against the government.
• However, it can question ministers, discuss policies, and delay bills.
3. Judicial Powers
• The Rajya Sabha can start impeachment proceedings against:
o The President of India.
o The Vice President.
o Judges of the Supreme Court and High Court.
o Other high officials like the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and the
Chief Election Commissioner.
• A two-thirds majority is needed for impeachment.
4. Financial Powers
• Rajya Sabha has less power in financial matters than the Lok Sabha.
• Money Bills (budget, taxation laws) can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
• Rajya Sabha can discuss and suggest changes, but it must approve the bill within 14
days.
• If Rajya Sabha does not approve the bill in 14 days, it is automatically passed.
5. Constitutional Powers
• Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have equal power in amending the Constitution.
• Constitutional Amendment Bills must be passed by both houses.
6. Special Powers of Rajya Sabha
• If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority, it can:
o Allow Parliament to make laws on State subjects (if needed for national
interest).
o Create new All India Services like IAS, IPS, etc.
7. Electoral Powers
• Rajya Sabha members help elect:
o The President of India.
o The Vice-President of India.
Summary
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament, representing states and experts.
It plays an important role in reviewing laws, discussing government policies, and keeping a
check on the Lok Sabha.
However, it has less power in financial and executive matters compared to the Lok Sabha.
