Rajya Sabha, Composition, Powers and Functions

Rajya Sabha comprises a maximum of 250 members, as per Article 80 of the Indian Constitution. Out of these, 238 members represent the states and union territories and are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies using the proportional representation system by means of a single transferable vote. The remaining 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their expertise in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not dissolved; instead, one-third of its members retire every two years, and elections are held to fill those vacancies. This ensures continuity and stability in parliamentary proceedings.

Powers of Rajya Sabha:

• Legislative Powers

Rajya Sabha shares equal legislative powers with the Lok Sabha in passing ordinary laws. A bill can originate in either house and must be passed by both. If there is a disagreement, a joint sitting is convened, where Lok Sabha usually prevails due to its larger membership. However, Rajya Sabha plays a significant role in revising and reviewing legislation, ensuring thorough scrutiny. It can propose amendments and delay bills for detailed debate, serving as a check on hasty decisions by the directly elected lower house.

• Financial Powers

The Rajya Sabha has limited financial powers. Money Bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha cannot amend them—only recommend changes. The Lok Sabha may accept or reject these suggestions. The Rajya Sabha must return the Money Bill within 14 days, or it is deemed passed. However, Rajya Sabha does participate in discussions on the Union Budget and financial matters, offering a platform for reviewing economic policies and decisions, thus providing indirect influence on the nation’s financial administration.

• Electoral Powers

The Rajya Sabha participates in the election of the President and Vice President of India. While only elected members of both Houses vote in the Presidential election, all members (elected and nominated) of the Rajya Sabha take part in electing the Vice President. Additionally, it plays a role in electing representatives to various parliamentary committees and bodies. These electoral powers ensure that Rajya Sabha members influence the formation of key constitutional offices, maintaining checks and balances in democratic governance.

Functions of Rajya Sabha:

• Legislative Function

Rajya Sabha shares the responsibility of law-making with the Lok Sabha. It debates and passes ordinary bills, which can originate in either house. Members review, amend, and discuss proposed legislation thoroughly. Though the Lok Sabha has an edge in financial matters, the Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in deliberating laws, ensuring thoughtful and inclusive governance. Its revisory nature helps prevent hurried legislation, offering a platform for more considered policymaking, thus maintaining balance in parliamentary procedures and safeguarding constitutional values.

• Deliberative Function

As a house of elders and experienced members, the Rajya Sabha performs a vital deliberative role by holding meaningful debates on national and international issues. Members from various states present their views, contributing to the diversity of discussion. Though deliberation may not result in immediate decisions, it influences public policy and legislative direction. This function ensures that significant topics receive thoughtful analysis and that different perspectives are represented in governance. It serves as a platform for constructive dialogue and consensus-building in a federal structure.

• Representative Function

Rajya Sabha represents the interests of states and union territories in India’s federal structure. Unlike the Lok Sabha, which represents the people directly, the Rajya Sabha provides a voice to the states in Parliament, ensuring that regional concerns are considered in national legislation. Its members, elected by state legislatures, focus on state-specific issues, protecting the autonomy of states. This function strengthens cooperative federalism, ensuring a balanced distribution of power between the Centre and the states, and enhances national unity through inclusive decision-making.

• Executive Function

The Rajya Sabha exercises control over the executive through various tools like question hour, zero hour, and debates. Members can question ministers, demand accountability, and scrutinize the performance of government departments. Though it cannot bring a no-confidence motion like the Lok Sabha, its discussions and recommendations influence policy decisions. This function ensures that the executive remains answerable to the legislature. By raising concerns on national issues and ministerial conduct, the Rajya Sabha plays a critical role in maintaining transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness in governance.

• Judicial Function

The Rajya Sabha has limited but important judicial powers. Along with the Lok Sabha, it plays a role in the impeachment of the President, removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and the Vice President. These actions require a special majority and are conducted through a defined constitutional process. This function ensures that checks and balances are maintained within the constitutional framework. It upholds the rule of law by holding high constitutional authorities accountable, reinforcing judicial integrity and democratic principles.

• Constitutional Function

The Rajya Sabha participates in the amendment of the Constitution. Except in the case of money bills, all constitutional amendment bills must be passed by both Houses of Parliament by a special majority. The Rajya Sabha also has exclusive power under Article 249 to authorize Parliament to legislate on a State List subject, if it passes a resolution with a two-thirds majority in the national interest. Thus, it plays a key role in shaping and modifying the constitutional structure, ensuring flexibility with federal balance.