The maximum strength of the Rajya
Sabha is fixed at 250,
out of which, 238 are to be the representatives of the states and union
territories (elected indirectly) and 12 are nominated by the president. The Fourth Schedule of the
Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to the states
and union territories.
1. Representation of States The representatives of states in the Rajya
Sabha are elected by the elected members of state
legislative assemblies. The election is held in accordance with the
system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable
vote. The seats are allotted to the states in
the Rajya Sabha based on population. Hence, the number of
representatives varies from state to state. For example, Uttar Pradesh has 31 members while Tripura has 1 member
only. However, in USA, all states are given equal
representation in the Senate irrespective of their population. USA has 50
states and the Senate has 100 members—2 from each state.
2. Representation of Union Territories The representatives of each
union territory in the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected
by members of an electoral college specially constituted for the purpose.
This election is also held in accordance with the system of proportional
representation by means of the single transferable vote. Out of the seven union
territories, only two (Delhi and Puducherry) have representation in Rajya Sabha.
The populations of other five union territories are too small to have any
representative in the Rajya Sabha.
3. Nominated Members The president nominates 12 members to the Rajya
Sabha from people who have special knowledge or practical experience in art,
literature, science and social service. The rationale behind this principle of
nomination is to provide eminent persons a place in the Rajya Sabha without
going through the process of election. It should be noted here that the American Senate has no nominated
members.
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