Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament of India and functions as the institutional representation of India's federal units – the states and union territories. It is a key component of India's bicameral legislature at the national level, complementing the Lok Sabha (House of the People). While the Lok Sabha embodies the will of the people through direct elections, the Rajya Sabha serves as the voice of the states in the law-making process, reinforcing the federal character of the country. As a permanent body that cannot be dissolved, the Rajya Sabha ensures continuity in governance and safeguards regional interests by offering a platform where state perspectives can be articulated on national legislation. Its creation reflects the constitutional vision of balancing the unity of the nation with the diversity of its constituent units. The council has a maximum membership of 245, of which 233 are elected by the state legislative assemblies of India and union territories using single transferable votes through open ballots, while the President of India can appoint 12 members for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social service. The total allowed capacity is 250 (238 elected, 12 appointed) according to article 80 of the Constitution of India. The current potential seating capacity of the Rajya Sabha is 245 (233 elected, 12 appointed), after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. The maximum seats of 250 members can be filled up at the discretion and requirements of the council. Members sit for staggered terms lasting six years, with about a third of the 233 members up for election every two years, in even-numbered years. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a continuing chamber and hence not subject to dissolution. The Rajya Sabha has equal footing in legislation with the Lok Sabha, except in the area of loss of supply, where the latter has overriding powers. In the case of conflicting legislation, a Joint Session of Indian Parliament can be held, where the Lok Sabha holds a greater influence because of its larger membership. The vice president of India is the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who presides over its sessions. The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who is elected from amongst the house's members, takes care of the day-to-day matters of the house in the absence of the chairman. The council held its first sitting on 13 May 1952. The Rajya Sabha meets in the eponymous chamber in Parliament House in New Delhi. Since 18 July 2018, the Rajya Sabha has the facility for simultaneous interpretation in all the languages with official status in India. Rajya Sabha proceedings are televised live on channel Sansad TV, headquartered within the premises of Parliament. The new parliament building has a seating capacity of 384 for the Rajya Sabha.