Rajya Sabha: Deputy Chairman & Nominated Members

Rajya Sabha: Deputy Chairman & Nominated Members

Context

Harivansh Narayan Singh was elected unopposed for a third consecutive term as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This reelection is historically significant as he is the first nominated member in the history of the Indian Parliament to hold this high constitutional position.

The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

Election and Tenure:

• The Deputy Chairman is elected by the Rajya Sabha from amongst its members.
• Unlike the Chairman (who is the Vice-President of India and not a member of the House), the Deputy Chairman is a member of the House.
• The office becomes vacant if the person ceases to be a member of the Rajya Sabha, resigns in writing to the Chairman, or is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Performs the duties of the Chairman when the office is vacant or when the Vice-President is acting as President.
• Presides over the House in the absence of the Chairman.
• Independent Status: The Deputy Chairman is not subordinate to the Chairman; they are directly responsible to the Rajya Sabha.

Composition of the Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is the Upper House of India's bicameral Parliament, representing the states and union territories.

Permanent Nature:

• It is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution.
• To ensure continuity, one-third (1/3rd) of its members retire every second year.
• Each member is elected for a term of six years.

Seat Distribution (Maximum 250):

1. Elected Members (238): Representatives of the States and Union Territories, elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) via proportional representation.
2. Nominated Members (12): Appointed by the President of India.

Nominated Members: The Experts

The provision for nominated members allows the House to benefit from the wisdom of persons who may not seek election through the political process.

Criteria for Nomination: Under Article 80 of the Constitution, the President nominates 12 members based on their special knowledge or practical experience in:

• Art
• Literature
• Science
• Social Service

Powers and Limitations:

• Voting Rights: Nominated members have the same rights and privileges as elected members in the daily proceedings of the House.
• Presidential Election: They cannot vote in the election of the President of India.
• Vice-Presidential Election: They can vote in the election of the Vice-President.
• Political Affiliation: A nominated member may join a political party within six months of taking their seat; if they join after six months, they are disqualified under the Anti-Defection Law.

Significance of the News

The elevation of a nominated member to the post of Deputy Chairman for three consecutive terms underscores a shift in parliamentary tradition. It highlights the growing role of non-partisan experts and nominated representatives in the strategic leadership and procedural management of the "House of Elders."

Conclusion

The Rajya Sabha serves as a stabilizing force in Indian democracy, balancing popular sentiment with expert deliberation. The reelection of Harivansh Narayan Singh reinforces the constitutional principle that every member of the House, whether elected or nominated, carries the potential to lead the legislative process at the highest level.