Recently, the President of India has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha. 

About Recent Nominations to the Rajya Sabha

• Members Nominated: These include:
  • Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Former Foreign Secretary 
  • Ujjwal Nikam, the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case
  • C. Sadanandan Master, a BJP leader from Kerala
  • Dr. Meenakshi Jain, a noted historian

Constitutional Provisions Governing the Appointment of Nominated Members

• Source: The nomination of members to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India is taken from the Irish Constitution.
• Article 80(1) of the Constitution: This article mandates that the Rajya Sabha shall consist of not more than 250 members, of which 12 are to be nominated by the President.
• Clause (3) of Article 80: It specifies that the President may nominate individuals who possess special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, or social service.
  • Example: Rakesh Sinha (Literature), Ilaiyaraaja (Arts) etc.
  • While Article 80(1)(a) identifies that 12 members are to be nominated, it is Article 80(3) that explicitly lays out the criteria for these nominations.
• Tenure: Nominated members in the Rajya Sabha have a tenure of six years, and one-third of the members retire every two years, aligning with the tenure of elected members. 
• Rights and Privileges: Nominated members in the Rajya Sabha enjoy equal rights and privileges as elected members. They are allowed to join a political party within six months of taking their seat in the House. 
  • They can participate in debates, vote on bills, and serve on parliamentary committees.
  • However, they are not entitled to vote in the election of the President, though they can vote in the election of the Vice-President.

Rationale Behind Nominated Seats in Rajya Sabha

• Original Rationale: The idea of having nominated members in the Rajya Sabha was proposed to bring intellectual and professional expertise into parliamentary debates. 
• Vision of the Framers: As N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee, stated, the provision was meant to allow participation from individuals who might not be active in electoral politics but could contribute significantly due to their learning and experience.
• Dilution of Intent: Over time, however, this ideal has been somewhat diluted. Critics argue that successive governments have used this provision to reward political allies or boost their numbers in the Upper House, undermining its original intent.

Significance of Nominated Members in the Context of Indian Polity

• Expertise and Knowledge: Their inclusion ensures a blend of specialised expertise in the house.
  • Example: Dr. Narendra Jadhav, a former member of the Planning Commission was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. He has contributed to various bills and committees related to education, planning, and development.
• Bridge the Gap: They link legislative intent with on-ground implications. 
  • Example: Dr. Manmohan Singh, an economist, played a pivotal role in economic discussions during his tenure as a nominated member before his prime ministership.
• Representation of Unrepresented: They can amplify voices that may be overlooked in the electoral process. 
  • Example: Mary Kom, a world boxing champion and Olympic medalist, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2016. She has been a strong advocate for sports development, women empowerment, and tribal welfare. 
• National Interest: They often prioritise national over regional interests. 
  • Example: Kasturirangan, a former chairman of ISRO and a Padma Shri awardee, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2003. He has played a key role in promoting science and technology for national development. 
• Cultural Integration: Their nomination can reflect and promote India’s cultural diversity. 
  • Example: Renowned musician Zakir Hussain was nominated to represent the arts, particularly classical music.
• Role Models: Their achievements in their respective fields serve as inspiration. 
  • Example: Sachin Tendulkar, a cricketing legend, was nominated, reflecting excellence in sports.
• Guided Policy Formulation: Their specialisations guide nuanced policy-making. 
  • Example: Bhalchandra Mungekar, an economist, enriched economic policy discussions during his tenure as a nominated member.

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