Points to Remember:
- Rajya Sabha composition
- Presidential nomination powers
- Criteria for nomination to Rajya Sabha
Introduction:
The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Unlike the Lok Sabha (House of the People), which is directly elected by the people, the Rajya Sabha has a unique composition. A significant portion of its members (12) are nominated by the President of India. This question explores the criteria used by the President for these nominations. The Constitution of India doesn’t explicitly define these criteria, leading to various interpretations and practices over the years. Understanding these criteria is crucial for appreciating the role of the nominated members in the functioning of the Rajya Sabha.
Body:
A. Analysis of the Provided Options:
The question presents four potential criteria for the President’s nominations to the Rajya Sabha:
(A) Their performance as office bearers of cultural societies: While involvement in cultural activities might be a factor considered, it’s unlikely to be the sole or primary criterion. The President’s choice would need to reflect a broader national perspective.
(B) The recommendations made by the Vice President: The Vice President holds the office of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, but the Constitution doesn’t mandate that the President solely relies on the Vice President’s recommendations for nominations. The President acts independently in this regard.
(C) Their role played in the political setup of the country: This is a broad and potentially problematic criterion. While individuals with significant political experience might be nominated, the emphasis should be on their contributions beyond partisan politics. Nominating individuals solely based on their political affiliations could undermine the intended purpose of the nominated members.
(D) Their distinction in the fields of science, art, literature, and social service: This option aligns most closely with the spirit and intent of the constitutional provision. The nominated members are meant to represent expertise and eminence in various fields, enriching the deliberative capacity of the Rajya Sabha. This ensures a diversity of perspectives and expertise within the house.
B. The Constitutional Framework and Established Practice:
Article 80(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. The Constitution does not explicitly define the criteria for these nominations. However, the established practice has generally favored individuals of eminence in the fields of science, art, literature, and social service. This approach aims to bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the Rajya Sabha, enhancing its deliberative function. The President’s choice is guided by the need to balance representation across various fields and regions.
C. Challenges and Criticisms:
The lack of explicit criteria in the Constitution has led to criticisms regarding the selection process. Concerns have been raised about potential biases, lack of transparency, and the occasional nomination of individuals with questionable credentials. The process lacks a formal, transparent mechanism for public input or scrutiny.
Conclusion:
While the President’s power to nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha is constitutionally enshrined, the lack of explicit criteria necessitates a more transparent and clearly defined process. While option (D) â?? “Their distinction in the fields of science, art, literature, and social service” â?? best reflects the intended purpose of these nominations, a more robust framework is needed. This could involve establishing a committee to advise the President, incorporating public consultations, and ensuring greater transparency in the selection process. This would strengthen the Rajya Sabha’s role as a house of experts and enhance its contribution to the nation’s legislative and deliberative processes, promoting a more inclusive and representative democracy. The ultimate goal should be to ensure that the nominated members genuinely contribute to the enrichment of parliamentary discourse and national development.
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