News: The government has nominated four people of eminence to the Rajya Sabha, including former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, C Sadanandan Master, and historian Meenakshi Jain.
About Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha
Constitution provisions regarding Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha
- Article 80: “Composition of the Council of States” – The Council of States shall consist of:
- Twelve members to be nominated by the President in accordance with the provisions of clause (3);
- Not more than two hundred and thirty-eight (238) representatives of the States and of the Union territories.
- Qualification: Clause 3 of the Article 80 lays down the qualifications for the appointment:
- The members to be nominated by the President shall consist of persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as the following, namely — Literature, science, art and social service.
- Powers and Privileges of Nominated Members
- The nominated member can join a political party within six months of taking his/ her seat in the House.
- They enjoy all the powers and privileges to which the elected Members of Parliament are entitled.
- They can take part in the proceedings of the House in the normal manner.
- Voting: They are not allowed to vote in the election of the President.
- They do have the right to vote in the election of the Vice-President.
