Exp) Option b is the correct answer.

Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and is not subject to dissolution. The present strength of Rajya Sabha, is 245, out of which 233 are representatives of the States and Union territories of Delhi and Puducherry and 12 are nominated by the President.

Statement 1 is correct. The Rajya Sabha represents the States of India. It is an indirectly elected body. Residents of the State elect members to State Legislative Assembly. The members of State Legislative Assembly in turn elect the members of the Rajya Sabha. However, only elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies can vote in a Rajya Sabha election. Voting is by single transferable vote, as the election is held on the principle of proportional representation.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years. They can get re-elected. All members of the Rajya Sabha do not complete their terms at the same time. Every two years, one third members (and not two-thirds) of the Rajya Sabha complete their term and elections are held for those one third seats only. Thus, the Rajya Sabha is never fully dissolved. Therefore, it is called the permanent House of the Parliament. The advantage of this arrangement is that even when the Lok Sabha is dissolved and elections are yet to take place, the meeting of the Rajya Sabha can be called and urgent business can be conducted.

Statement 3 is correct. Apart from the elected members, Rajya Sabha also has twelve nominated members. Th e President nominates these members from among those persons who have made their mark in the fi elds of literature, science, art and social service.