Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 268

Why Rajya Sabha members are needed when Lok Sabha members are there.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the purpose of having a bicameral legislature in India.

Correct Answer: B) They are non electoral candidates and are being included for their expertise in nation building.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking, CLAT, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Indian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Lok Sabha is the lower house and is directly elected by the people, while the Rajya Sabha is the upper house and serves a different purpose in the legislative process.

The Rajya Sabha is designed to provide a platform for individuals with specialized knowledge and expertise to contribute to the legislative process. These members are not elected by the general public but are either elected by the state legislative assemblies or nominated by the President of India. The nomination process allows for the inclusion of individuals who have made significant contributions in fields such as science, arts, literature, and other areas relevant to nation building.

The rationale behind having a Rajya Sabha is to ensure that the legislative process benefits from a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. This helps in creating more informed and well-rounded legislation. The Rajya Sabha also acts as a check on the powers of the Lok Sabha, providing a second level of scrutiny for proposed laws.

It is important to understand that the Rajya Sabha is not a mere formality or a place for honor. Its members are selected based on their ability to contribute to the legislative process with their specialized knowledge and experience. This ensures that the legislative process is not solely driven by electoral politics but also informed by expert opinions and insights.

Therefore, the correct answer is that Rajya Sabha members are non-electoral candidates and are included for their expertise in nation building. This aligns with the purpose of having a bicameral legislature in India, where the Rajya Sabha complements the Lok Sabha by bringing in a different set of skills and perspectives to the legislative process.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. Rajya Sabha members are not appointed as a form of honor like the Padma Shri award. Their role is to contribute expertise to the legislative process, not to receive an honor.
  • Option B: This option is correct. Rajya Sabha members are often individuals with significant expertise in various fields, and they are included to provide specialized knowledge and experience to the legislative process, aiding in nation building.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. While Rajya Sabha members may receive government security, this is not the primary reason for their inclusion in the legislative body. Their main role is to contribute expertise.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The correct reason for the inclusion of Rajya Sabha members is explicitly stated in Option B, making this option unnecessary.

Mnemonic: Remember: Rajya Sabha = Expertise, Lok Sabha = Electoral

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