How many persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art or social service are to be nominated by the President as Members of the Rajya Sabha?
Twelve
Understanding Rajya Sabha Nominations by the President
The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament of India. Its composition is defined in Article 80 of the Constitution of India. The members of the Rajya Sabha are partly elected and partly nominated.
Composition of Rajya Sabha
Article 80 outlines the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha to be 250 members:
- Elected Members: Not more than 238 representatives of the States and Union Territories. These are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and, in some cases, by members of electoral colleges for Union Territories, through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
- Nominated Members: 12 members nominated by the President.
President's Nomination to Rajya Sabha
The President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. These nominated members are individuals who have special knowledge or practical experience in specific fields. The Constitution specifies these fields:
- Literature
- Science
- Art
- Social Service
The purpose of nominating members from these fields is to provide the Rajya Sabha with perspectives and expertise from distinguished individuals who might not otherwise seek election.
Answering the Question
The question asks about the number of persons nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha who have special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, or social service. As per the Constitution, the President nominates 12 members belonging to these categories.
| Type of Member | Maximum Number | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Elected (States & UTs) | 238 | Indirect Election (Proportional Representation) |
| Nominated (Special Knowledge/Experience) | 12 | Nomination by President |
| Total | 250 |
Therefore, the number of persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art or social service to be nominated by the President as Members of the Rajya Sabha is 12.
Revision Table: Key Facts on Rajya Sabha Nomination
| Aspect | Detail | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominating Authority | President of India | ||
| Number of Nominees | 12 | ||
| Criteria for Nomination | Special knowledge or practical experience | Fields Covered | Literature, Science, Art, Social Service |
Additional Information on Nominated Members
Nominated members enjoy almost all the powers and privileges of an elected Member of Parliament. However, they are not allowed to vote in the election of the President of India. They can, however, vote in the election of the Vice-President.
The nominated members play a crucial role in the Rajya Sabha by bringing diverse expertise and contributing to debates on matters of national importance based on their specialized knowledge.
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