Question

Who presides over the Rajya Sabha? Who elects the Deputy Chairman?

Answer 1

Hint: The Rajya Sabha is one of the two legislative houses in the bicameral parliamentary structure in India. It is also referred to as the Upper House or the Council of States and is an important reflection of the nation’s federal character. The total membership of the Rajya Sabha is 250 out of which, 238 are elected members and 12 members are nominated by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Complete answer:
The Vice-President of India functions as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and presides over all its meetings and businesses. There is also a Deputy Chairman of the House who is elected internally by the members of the Rajya Sabha. The Deputy Chairman performs the responsibilities of the Chairman in case of a vacancy in the office of the Chairman or when the Vice-President is discharging the duties of the President. The Deputy Chairman also functions as the presiding officer of all the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha in the absence of the Chairman (i.e the Vice-President). The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the respective states through proportional representation. The members are elected for a term of six years and a third of the members retire every two years.

Note: The 12 nominated members to the Rajya Sabha, who are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, are generally citizens who have distinguished themselves in the field of art, science, sports, literature, social service or such.