Possible UPSC Questions
- GS II: “Discuss the constitutional rationale for nominating members to the Rajya Sabha and evaluate how far the original intent has been preserved in practice.”
- GS II: “Examine the special powers of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the Lok Sabha and analyse how nominated members can influence these powers.”
- GS II / Polity Mains: “Critically assess the election procedure of Rajya Sabha members and the implications of proportional representation for smaller parties.”
Quick Outline of Key Facts
| Provision / Fact | Details |
| Constitutional basis | Article 80(1)(a) & 80(3) – 12 members nominated by the President for “special knowledge or practical experience” in literature, science, art, or social service |
| Recent nominations (July 2025) | Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, C. Sadanandan Master, Dr Meenakshi Jain |
| Rights of nominated MPs | Can vote on all House matters; cannot vote in Presidential election but can vote in Vice-Presidential election; may join a party within six months |
| Original intent (Constituent Assembly) | N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar: bring “seasoned people who may not be in the thick of the political fray” into debate |
| Composition of RS | 245 total – 12 nominated, 233 elected (states/UTs). One-third retire every two years; House never dissolves |
| Election formula (elected seats) | Single transferable vote by MLAs; quota = (Total valid votes ÷ (Seats + 1)) + 1 |
| Special powers of RS | • Resolution (2/3rd majority) to legislate on State List matters (Art 249) • Creation of All-India Services (Art 312) • Approving Presidential proclamations under Arts 352, 356, 360 when LS is dissolved |
| Criticisms | Erosion of “eminent persons” ideal; used to boost ruling numbers or reward loyalists; debate over domicile & neutrality |
Summary
Article 80 empowers the President to nominate up to twelve Rajya Sabha members distinguished in literature, science, art or social service so that “seasoned” non-political voices can enrich parliamentary debate. On 13 July 2025 four vacancies were filled by ex-Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, 26/11 public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala social worker-politician C. Sadanandan Master and historian Meenakshi Jain. Nominated MPs enjoy the same privileges as elected members, may join a party within six months, and vote in all House business bar the Presidential election.
The Upper House’s permanent character, staggered retirements and special powers—especially to authorise Union legislation on State subjects, create All-India Services or ratify emergency proclamations when Lok Sabha is dissolved—make its numerical balance significant. While the Constitution intended nomination to elevate discourse, successive governments have exploited the route to bolster floor strength or confer prestige, diluting the original high bar of eminence.
Rajya Sabha’s elected seats are filled by MLAs through proportional representation and single transferable vote; quota calculations ensure minority parties can secure representation. Allocation of seats among states is population-based (Fourth Schedule).
Critics argue that the nomination mechanism today often rewards partisanship more than merit, yet defenders point out that domain experts—particularly from fields under-represented in electoral politics—still add value, for example in cultural policy, diplomacy or jurisprudence debates.
Significance to the UPSC Exam
Questions on Parliament’s structure, federal design and legislative procedure are staples in Prelims and GS II Mains. Understanding Article 80, election arithmetic, and the Upper House’s unique powers links constitutional text to contemporary politics—useful for answer enrichment, essay themes on co-operative federalism and ethics case studies (merit vs patronage). The episode also illustrates broader debates on institutional integrity and representation, aligning with UPSC’s emphasis on critical analysis of polity-governance issues.
