Answer:

Introduction        

The Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States (Article 80), stands distinctively as one of the two houses in India’s bicameral Parliament. Apart from elected representatives, the Rajya Sabha houses nominated members article 80(3), a feature inspired from the Irish Constitution. These members are nominated by the President to provide expertise in specific fields.

Body  

Constitutional Provisions Governing the Appointment of Nominated Members

• 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.
• Expertise for Nomination: Article 80(1)(a) lays out the criteria for nomination, stating that the members should possess special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of literature, science, art, and social service. Ex- Rakesh Sinha (Literature), Ilaiyaraaja (Arts) etc.
• 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: Though not explicitly stated for nominated members, the Constitution ensures that they have nearly the same rights and privileges as elected members. However, they lack certain rights, such as voting in Presidential elections. 

 Significance of Nominated Members in the Context of Indian Polity:

• Expertise and Knowledge: Their inclusion ensures a blend of specialised expertise in the house. Eg: 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. Eg: 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. Eg: Mary Kom, a six-time world boxing champion and an 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. Eg: 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. Eg: Renowned musician Zakir Hussain was nominated to represent the arts, particularly classical music.
• Role Models: Their achievements in their respective fields serve as inspiration. Eg: Sachin Tendulkar, a cricketing legend, was nominated, reflecting excellence in sports.
• Guided Policy Formulation: Their specialisations guide nuanced policy-making. Eg: Bhalchandra Mungekar, an economist, enriched economic policy discussions during his tenure as a nominated member.

Conclusion  

The presence of nominated members in the Rajya Sabha, as provided by Article 80, ensures a multidimensional approach to legislation. Their inclusion underscores the Constitution’s vision of a Parliament that is not just representative but also comprehensive and informed, embodying the harmony of expertise with democratic representation.