Elections to the Rajya Sabha, the Council of States in India, involve a combination of direct and indirect methods. The Rajya Sabha is not entirely elected by the public; rather, its members are elected by the elected representatives of the States and Union Territories.
Composition:
Total Seats:
- The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 members. Out of these, 238 members are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories.
Allocation of Seats:
- Seats are allocated to States and Union Territories based on their population, ensuring proportional representation in the Rajya Sabha.
Method of Election:
Single Transferable Vote System:
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected using the single transferable vote (STV) system. This system is a form of proportional representation where voters rank candidates in order of preference.
Preference Voting:
Voters express their preferences by marking their preferences on the ballot paper. They rank candidates in order of preference by marking numbers against their names.
Quota for Election:
A candidate needs to secure a certain quota of votes to be elected. The quota is determined based on the total number of valid votes and the number of seats to be filled.
Transfer of Surplus and Elimination:
If a candidate receives more votes than the required quota, the surplus votes are transferred to other candidates based on the second preference of voters. This process continues until all seats are filled.
Compulsory Voting:
Members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) are required to vote in the Rajya Sabha elections. Failure to do so can lead to disqualification.
Term and Rotation:
Six-Year Term:
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years.
Retirement:
One-third of the members retire every two years, ensuring continuity in the functioning of the Rajya Sabha.
Nominated Members:
Nominated by the President:
In addition to the elected members, the President of India can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for their expertise in various fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.
Vacancies:
Filling of Vacancies:
If a seat in the Rajya Sabha becomes vacant between two biennial elections, it is filled through by-elections.
Representation of Union Territories:
Nomination by the President:
Union territories without legislative assemblies are represented in the Rajya Sabha by members nominated by the President.
Special Powers in Elections:
Special Powers of the Rajya Sabha:
The Rajya Sabha has special powers in certain matters, such as approving the proclamation of a state of emergency and approving the creation of All India Services.
Conclusion:
The elections to the Rajya Sabha ensure that States and Union Territories are represented in the upper house of Parliament. The use of the single transferable vote system promotes proportional representation and reflects the diversity of Indian states. The rotation of members and the inclusion of nominated members contribute to the stability and effectiveness of the Rajya Sabha.
