Anand Classes presents detailed Parliament (Article 79) Rajya Sabha (Council of States) Polity Notes for NDA, covering complete theory, important provisions, and exam-oriented study material. These notes explain the constitutional framework, composition, powers, and functions of the Rajya Sabha in a simplified way to help aspirants strengthen their NDA GAT preparation. Click the print button to download study material and notes.
✅ Parliament (Article 79) – UPSC NDA GAT Study Guide
According to Article 79 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of the President, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Even though the President is not a member of either house, he or she is considered an integral part of Parliament and plays a crucial role in the legislative process.
✅ Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – Detailed Explanation for NDA Exam
The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament and represents the interests of the states and union territories.
Composition
- The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 members.
- 12 members are nominated by the President, chosen from individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.
- The remaining 233 members represent the states and union territories.
- Presently, all states and only 2 union territories – Delhi and Puducherry – are represented.
- The total current membership is 245.
Election Process
- Members are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies using proportional representation through a single transferable vote.
- Representation is based on the population of the state.
Reservations
- There are no seats reserved for Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes in the Rajya Sabha.
Eligibility Criteria
A person must fulfill the following conditions to become a member of the Rajya Sabha:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be at least 30 years old.
- Must be a parliamentary elector in the state from which he or she is seeking election.
- Must meet other qualifications as prescribed by Parliament from time to time.
Tenure
- Members serve for six years, and one-third of the members retire every two years, ensuring continuity.
Presiding Officers
- The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- The Chairman presides over the proceedings unless acting as the President during a vacancy.
- A Deputy Chairman is elected from among the members to assist and preside in the absence of the Chairman.
Legislative Powers
- Any bill can originate in the Rajya Sabha, except the Money Bill, which must originate in the Lok Sabha.
- The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution, unlike the Lok Sabha.
✅ Special Powers of the Rajya Sabha
- Removal of the Vice-President
- A resolution seeking the removal of the Vice-President can only originate in the Rajya Sabha.
- Legislation on State List Matters (Article 249)
- If two-thirds of the members present and voting pass a resolution stating that it is in the national interest to legislate on a state matter, Parliament is empowered to pass such a law for up to one year.
- Creation of All India Services (Article 312)
- The Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution by a two-thirds majority stating it is necessary in the national interest to create one or more All India Services. Parliament can then legislate accordingly.
These provisions highlight the importance of the Rajya Sabha in balancing state and national interests, a topic that is emphasized in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf from reliable sources like Anand Classes.
✅ Rajya Sabha – UPSC NDA FAQs for SSB Preparation
❓ What is the total strength of the Rajya Sabha and how are members selected?
Answer:
The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members, of which 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service, and the remaining 233 represent states and union territories. Members are elected by State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation with a single transferable vote, ensuring fair representation based on population. This process is often explained in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and during study sessions using downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf or notes from Anand Classes.
❓ Can a person from any profession become a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha?
Answer:
No. The President nominates only 12 members based on their special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service. This provision ensures that expertise enriches legislative discussions, a concept regularly addressed in UPSC NDA notes and while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf for deeper understanding.
❓ How long is the tenure of a Rajya Sabha member, and how is continuity maintained?
Answer:
A Rajya Sabha member serves for six years, and one-third of the members retire every two years, ensuring that the house functions continuously without complete dissolution. This system is crucial for stable governance and is often discussed in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and through study resources like Anand Classes and downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf.
❓ What special powers does the Rajya Sabha have in relation to the Vice-President and All India Services?
Answer:
The Rajya Sabha has the exclusive power to initiate the removal of the Vice-President. It also holds the authority, under Article 249 and 312, to enable Parliament to legislate on state matters and create All India Services if two-thirds of members agree it is in the national interest. These special powers reflect the Rajya Sabha’s unique role and are covered in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and by referring to downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf or notes from Anand Classes.
❓ Is the Rajya Sabha subject to dissolution like the Lok Sabha?
Answer:
No. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, unlike the Lok Sabha, and is not subject to dissolution. Only a fraction of its members retire every two years. This feature is essential for continuity in legislative work and is a topic highlighted in UPSC NDA notes and during preparation using downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf from sources such as Anand Classes.
✅ Parliament & Rajya Sabha – NDA Practice MCQs
Q1. According to Article 79, which of the following makes up the Parliament of India?
A) President, Council of States, and State Legislative Assemblies
B) President, Council of States, and House of the People
C) Council of States, House of the People, and Supreme Court
D) President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice of India
✔ Answer: B) President, Council of States, and House of the People
Explanation:
As per Article 79 of the Constitution, the Parliament consists of the President, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Though the President is not a member of either house, he or she is considered an integral part of Parliament. This topic is essential for UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and is frequently covered in download UPSC NDA notes and while accessing downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf from sources like Anand Classes.
Q2. What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?
A) 245
B) 250
C) 238
D) 260
✔ Answer: B) 250
Explanation:
The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 members, of which 12 are nominated by the President from fields like literature, science, art, and social service, and the rest represent states and union territories. This constitutional arrangement is covered in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and when downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf or notes from Anand Classes.
Q3. How are the representatives of the states elected to the Rajya Sabha?
A) By direct election through the public
B) By State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation
C) By the Prime Minister’s recommendation
D) By the judiciary
✔ Answer: B) By State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation
Explanation:
Representatives are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation using the single transferable vote system. This ensures fair representation according to the population of each state. This process is explained in detail in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf or using resources like Anand Classes.
Q4. Which of the following is TRUE about the Rajya Sabha?
A) It is subject to dissolution after every five years
B) It has reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
C) It is a permanent body with one-third of its members retiring every two years
D) It cannot pass ordinary bills
✔ Answer: C) It is a permanent body with one-third of its members retiring every two years
Explanation:
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, meaning it is not subject to dissolution, unlike the Lok Sabha. One-third of its members retire every two years, which ensures continuity in the legislative process. This feature is often discussed in UPSC NDA notes and downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf for clarity during exam preparation.
Q5. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
A) The Prime Minister
B) The Chief Justice of India
C) The Vice-President of India
D) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
✔ Answer: C) The Vice-President of India
Explanation:
The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Vice-President presides over the proceedings unless acting as the President in case of a vacancy. Understanding this role is essential for UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf from trusted platforms like Anand Classes.
Q6. A resolution for the removal of the Vice-President can originate only in:
A) Lok Sabha
B) Supreme Court
C) Rajya Sabha
D) State Assembly
✔ Answer: C) Rajya Sabha
Explanation:
A resolution for removing the Vice-President can originate only in the Rajya Sabha, making it a unique privilege of the Upper House. This provision is frequently tested in UPSC NDA exams and covered in study materials like download UPSC NDA notes or while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf from Anand Classes.
Q7. Under Article 249, Rajya Sabha can empower Parliament to legislate on matters in:
A) The Union List only
B) The State List in national interest
C) The Concurrent List only
D) None of the above
✔ Answer: B) The State List in national interest
Explanation:
If two-thirds of the members present and voting in the Rajya Sabha pass a resolution stating that it is in the national interest, Parliament can legislate on subjects in the State List for a period of one year. This is a crucial provision often explained in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf or notes from Anand Classes.
Q8. What majority is required in the Rajya Sabha to pass resolutions under Articles 249 and 312?
A) Simple majority
B) Two-thirds majority of members present and voting
C) Three-fourths of total members
D) Absolute majority
✔ Answer: B) Two-thirds majority of members present and voting
Explanation:
A two-thirds majority of members present and voting is required to pass resolutions under Articles 249 and 312, related to the national interest for legislating on state subjects or creating All India Services. This is an important concept frequently included in UPSC NDA notes preparation and downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf from reliable sources like Anand Classes.
Q9. Can any bill except Money Bills originate in the Rajya Sabha?
A) Yes, all bills including Money Bills
B) No, only budget bills
C) Yes, except Money Bills
D) No, bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha
✔ Answer: C) Yes, except Money Bills
Explanation:
The Rajya Sabha can introduce any bill except the Money Bill, which must originate in the Lok Sabha. This legislative structure ensures a separation of financial powers and is a key topic in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and while downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf or using Anand Classes notes.
Q10. What is the population basis for representation in the Rajya Sabha?
A) Equal representation for all states
B) Representation based on geographical area
C) Representation based on population
D) Representation by wealth of the state
✔ Answer: C) Representation based on population
Explanation:
The representation of states in the Rajya Sabha is based on their population, ensuring proportional representation. This principle helps in balancing regional interests and is covered extensively in UPSC NDA polity notes preparation and through downloading UPSC NDA study material pdf from trusted sources like Anand Classes.
This study material is designed specifically for NDA aspirants. Regular revision and practice of these concepts will help in both written examination and SSB interview preparation.
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