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| name = Rajya Sabha | | name = Rajya Sabha | ||
| legislature = [[18th Rajya Sabha]] | | legislature = [[18th Rajya Sabha]] | ||
| logo = | | logo = Rajya_Sabha.png | ||
| logo_caption = Emblem of the Rajya Sabha | | logo_caption = Emblem of the Rajya Sabha | ||
| image = New Rajya Sabha chamber in the New Parliament building.jpg | |||
| image_caption = Parliament House in New Delhi | |||
| house_type = Upper house | | house_type = Upper house | ||
| body = [[Parliament of India]] | | body = [[Parliament of India]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:55, 27 July 2026
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| File:New Rajya Sabha chamber in the New Parliament building.jpg
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| Type | Upper house |
|---|---|
| Legislature | 18th Rajya Sabha |
| Term limits | No fixed term; one-third of members retire every two years |
| Chairman | Vice President of India |
| Deputy Chairman | Harivansh Narayan Singh |
| Leader of the House | J. P. Nadda |
| Leader of the Opposition | Mallikarjun Kharge |
| Members | 245 |
| Elected members | 233 |
| Nominated members | 12
|
| Elections | Indirect election by elected members of state and territorial legislatures; presidential nomination of 12 members |
| Last election | 2024 |
| Next election | 2026 |
| Meeting place | Parliament House, New Delhi
|
The Rajya Sabha (meaning "Council of States") is the upper house of the Parliament of India. It represents the states and union territories of India and also includes members nominated by the President of India for their contributions to fields such as literature, science, art and social service.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and is not subject to dissolution. Members normally serve six-year terms, with approximately one-third of the members retiring every two years.
History
The Constitution of India provides for a bicameral Parliament consisting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha was constituted in 1952 following the adoption of the Constitution.
The first sitting of the Rajya Sabha was held on 13 May 1952.
The Vice President of India serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Composition
The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members under the Constitution, including up to 238 representatives of the states and union territories and 12 members nominated by the President.
As of the current composition, the House has 245 seats:
- 233 elected members
- 12 nominated members
Members representing states are elected by the elected members of the respective State Legislative Assemblies using proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
Term
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent chamber and cannot be dissolved.
A member of the Rajya Sabha normally serves a six-year term. One-third of the members retire every two years.
A person must meet the constitutional and statutory requirements for membership of the Rajya Sabha, including being at least 30 years old.
Powers and functions
The Rajya Sabha participates in the legislative process of Parliament and considers bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
Money Bills have special constitutional rules: the Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend a Money Bill and must return it to the Lok Sabha within 14 days with recommendations.
The Rajya Sabha also has certain special powers relating to the states. Under Article 249 of the Constitution, it can authorize Parliament to legislate on a matter in the State List in the national interest if the required special majority is obtained.
Leadership
The Vice President of India is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
The Deputy Chairman is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha from among themselves.
The House also has a Leader of the House and a Leader of the Opposition.
Elections
Rajya Sabha members representing states are indirectly elected by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
The election uses proportional representation through the single transferable vote system.
Twelve members are nominated by the President of India from among people with special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art and social service.
Committees
The Rajya Sabha operates through a number of parliamentary committees. These committees examine legislation, government policies, expenditure and other matters referred to them.
Important committees include:
- Business Advisory Committee
- Committee on Government Assurances
- Committee on Petitions
- Committee on Privileges
- Committee on Rules
- Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees
- Public Accounts Committee
See also
- Parliament of India
- Lok Sabha
- President of India
- Vice President of India
- Parliament House
- List of members of the Rajya Sabha