The Parliament is the body of people’s representatives who have supreme power in a democracy. With reference to the Union Legislature, answer the following:
How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
Topic: Election to the Rajya Sabha
Answer
(1) The Rajya Sabha has a maximum of 250 members: not more than 238 representatives of the States and Union Territories, and 12 nominated by the President. (2) The representatives of each State are elected INDIRECTLY, by the ELECTED members of that State’s Legislative Assembly. The number of seats allotted to a State depends on its population. (3) The election is held by the system of PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION by means of a SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTE, the voting being by secret ballot. Members are elected for six years, one-third retiring every two years.
Three marks, so three elements: the composition, who elects, and by what method. The words that carry the marks are ELECTED members of the Legislative ASSEMBLY (members of the Legislative Council do NOT vote) and PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION by SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTE. Do not forget the 12 nominated members, chosen for distinction in literature, science, art and social service.