4 Members Nominated to Rajya Sabha

• 17 Jul 2025

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

The President of India has nominated 4 persons (Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, Meenakshi Jain, and C. Sadanandan Master) to the Rajya Sabha under the category of 12 seats reserved for distinguished experts in literature, science, art, and social service. 

Key Facts About 4 Nominated Personalities to Rajya Sabha 

• Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Former Foreign Secretary and 1984-batch IFS officer; served as Ambassador to the US, Thailand, and High Commissioner to Bangladesh.  
  • Played a key role in the "Howdy Modi" event (2019) and was the Chief Coordinator of India’s G20 Presidency (2023). Known for expertise in strategic affairs, multilateral diplomacy, and foreign policy formulation. 
• Ujjwal Nikam: Special Public Prosecutor in major cases like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, 1993 Bombay blasts, and Khairlanji massacre.  
  • Known for his tough stance on terrorism, courtroom skills, and commitment to justice. 
• Meenakshi Jain: Former Delhi University professor with 30+ years of teaching. Authored NCERT Medieval History textbook.  
  • She is also a Padma Shri awardee (2020), ex-member of Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), affiliated with Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).  
  • Known for contributions to Indian civilisation, religious identity, and alternative historiography. 
• C. Sadanandan Master: A former teacher, columnist, and political leader from Kerala, he survived a brutal political attack in 1994 that left him physically disabled. 

What is the Procedure of Elections for Members to the Rajya Sabha? 

• About Rajya Sabha: The Rajya Sabha (Council of States), is the upper house of the Indian Parliament constituted under Article 80 of the Constitution.  
  • It was first constituted in 1952, is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire every 2 years, and they are eligible for re-election or renomination without any limit. 
  • While the Constitution does not specify the term of its members, the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prescribes a 6-year term for each member. 
• Members of RS: The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 are indirectly elected by the elected members of State and Union Territory Legislative Assemblies, and 12 are nominated by the President under Article 80(1)(a).  
  • As per Article 80(3), the nominated members must possess special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, or social service. 
    • While sports is not explicitly mentioned, it has been included under "art" by interpretation, leading to nominations of personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Mary Kom. 
• Indirect Election in Rajya Sabha: 
  • Electoral College: Rajya Sabha members representing states are elected indirectly only by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) through proportional representation using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. 
    • Nominated MLAs and Members of Legislative Councils (MLCs) do not have voting rights in these elections. 
  • Seat Allocation by Population: Rajya Sabha seats are allotted to states based on their population.  
    • For example Uttar Pradesh has 31 seats and Goa has only 1 seat. 
• Election Procedure: 
  • Proportional Representation with STV: Rajya Sabha members are elected by elected MLAs through the STV system using proportional representation. The vote (quota) to win is calculated as: 
    • Quota = (Total valid votes ÷ (Seats to be filled + 1)) + 1 
  • Preferential Voting System: MLAs rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3…). A candidate meeting the quota with first preference votes is declared elected. Surplus votes are transferred to next preferences. 
  • Elimination & Transfer: If no one meets the quota, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to remaining candidates based on preferences. This continues until all seats are filled. 

Cross-Voting & Legal Safeguards 

• To curb cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections, the Representation of the People Act, 1951 was amended in 2003 to introduce the open ballot system. Party MLAs must show their marked ballot to the party’s authorised agent, else the vote is invalid.  
  • Independent MLAs are prohibited from revealing their vote. This ensures transparency and enforces party discipline. 
• Cross voting occurs when a member of a legislative body votes for a candidate or party outside their own political affiliation. 

Special Powers to Rajya Sabha 

• RS enjoys certain special powers under the Constitution that are not available to the Lok Sabha.  
• Under Article 249, it can authorize Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List if it is deemed necessary in the national interest. Additionally, under Article 312, it can authorize the creation of new All-India Services common to both the Centre and the States. 

More Related Articles 

• What is Cross Voting? 
• Does Anti-Defection Law Apply to Rajya Sabha Elections? 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q. Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in: (2020)

A. the matter of creating new All India Services
B. amending the Constitution
C. the removal of the government 
D. making cut motion 

Ans: (B) 

Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)

1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation. 
2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2 
D. Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (B) 

Q. Consider the following statements: (2015)

1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill. 
2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants. 
3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement. 

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? 

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only 
D. 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (B)