Which of the following statements regarding Rajya Sabha is/are correct? 1. The maximum permissible strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250. 2. In Rajya Sabha, 238 members are elected indirectly from the States and Union Territories. 3. It shares legislative powers equally with Lok Sabha in matters such as the creation of All India Services.
1 and 2 only
Understanding the Rajya Sabha: Composition, Strength, and Powers
The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament of India. Its composition, powers, and functions are defined by the Constitution of India. Let's examine the statements provided regarding the Rajya Sabha.
Analysis of Statements on Rajya Sabha
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Statement 1: The maximum permissible strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250.
According to Article 80 of the Constitution of India, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) shall consist of:
- Twelve members nominated by the President.
- Not more than two hundred and thirty-eight representatives of the States and of the Union Territories.
Adding the nominated and elected members, the maximum permissible strength is \(12 + 238 = 250\). Therefore, this statement is correct.
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Statement 2: In Rajya Sabha, 238 members are elected indirectly from the States and Union Territories.
Article 80 specifies that the representatives of the States and Union Territories shall not exceed two hundred and thirty-eight. It also outlines that these representatives are elected indirectly. The representatives of each State are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of the State in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The method of choosing representatives of Union Territories is prescribed by Parliament by law. This statement accurately reflects the maximum number of elected members and their indirect election method. Therefore, this statement is correct.
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Statement 3: It shares legislative powers equally with Lok Sabha in matters such as the creation of All India Services.
While the Rajya Sabha shares most legislative powers with the Lok Sabha, there are certain areas where it has special powers, and others where the Lok Sabha has primacy (like Money Bills). Regarding the creation of All India Services, Article 312 of the Constitution gives the Rajya Sabha a special power. If the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a special majority (not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting) declaring that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest to create one or more All India Services common to the Union and the States, Parliament can then provide for the creation of such services. This is not merely sharing legislative power equally; it is a power of initiation and authorisation that the Rajya Sabha possesses exclusively. Therefore, this statement is incorrect because it describes the power related to All India Services simply as equally shared legislative power, which does not capture the special initiating role of the Rajya Sabha.
Summary of Rajya Sabha Composition and Election
| Component | Maximum Number | Election Method |
| Nominated Members | 12 | Nominated by the President |
| Representatives of States and UTs | 238 | Indirectly elected by elected members of State Assemblies and Electoral Colleges for UTs |
| Total Maximum Strength | 250 |
Conclusion: Identifying the Correct Statements about Rajya Sabha
Based on the detailed analysis of each statement according to the Constitution of India:
- Statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2 is correct.
- Statement 3 is incorrect.
Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only.
Rajya Sabha Key Features Revision
| Feature | Details | Constitutional Basis |
| Nature | Permanent Body (not subject to dissolution) | Article 83(1) |
| Membership Tenure | 6 years, one-third retire every two years | Article 83(1) |
| Total Strength (Maximum) | 250 | Article 80(1) |
| Elected Members (Maximum) | 238 | Article 80(1)(b) |
| Nominated Members | 12 | Article 80(1)(a), 80(3) |
| Election Method | Indirect Election (Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote) | Article 80(4), 80(5) |
| Special Power (State List) | Can authorise Parliament to legislate on State List subject (Article 249) | Article 249 |
| Special Power (All India Services) | Can initiate creation of new All India Services (Article 312) | Article 312 |
Additional Information on Rajya Sabha's Role
Importance of Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in the Indian parliamentary system. It acts as a revising body to the Lok Sabha, preventing hasty legislation. It also ensures that the interests of the States are protected in the Union Parliament. Its permanent nature provides continuity in the legislative process.
Rajya Sabha and Federalism
As the Council of States, the Rajya Sabha embodies the federal character of the Indian Union. Its members are elected by the state legislative assemblies, directly representing the states in the central legislature. This structure is intended to give states a voice in national lawmaking.
Presiding Officer
The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The House also elects a Deputy Chairman from amongst its members.
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