Context:
President Droupadi Murmu recently nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha, including Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, Meenakshi Jain, and C Sadanandan Master. These nominations aim to bring diverse knowledge and experience from the fields of law, diplomacy, history, and social service to the Upper House of Parliament.
Constitutional Provisions for Nominated Members of the Rajya Sabha:
1. Article 80(1)(a):
- The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) shall consist of not more than 250 members.
- Out of these, 12 members are nominated by the President of India.
2. Article 80(3):
- The President nominates individuals having special knowledge or practical experience in:
- Literature
- Science
- Art
- Social service
Powers, Privileges, and Rights of Nominated Members:
Same Powers as Elected Members
- Nominated members enjoy equal powers, privileges, and immunities as elected Rajya Sabha members.
- They participate in debates, discussions, and voting on bills and resolutions in the House.
Exception: Presidential Election
- Nominated members cannot vote in the election of the President of India (Article 54).
Can Vote in Vice Presidential Election
- They can vote in the Vice President's election, as it is conducted by members of both Houses of Parliament (Article 66).
Joining a Political Party – Article 99 (Read with Tenth Schedule):
- A nominated member is allowed six months from the date of their nomination to join a political party.
- If they join a party after six months, they are liable for disqualification under the anti-defection law.
About The Nominees:
· Harsh Vardhan Shringla: A former Foreign Secretary, Shringla has had an illustrious diplomatic career, serving as India's Ambassador to the US, High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Ambassador to Thailand. He was also the Chief Coordinator of India's G20 presidency in 2023.
· Ujjwal Nikam: A veteran public prosecutor, Nikam is best known for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial. He has handled several high-profile cases, including the 1993 Bombay blasts and the murder of music executive Gulshan Kumar.
· Meenakshi Jain: A noted historian, Jain served as an Associate Professor of History at Gargi College, Delhi University. She authored the NCERT textbook on Medieval India during the Vajpayee government's tenure and has written several books on Indian history and culture.
· C Sadanandan Master: A respected social worker and teacher from Kerala, Master survived a brutal attack by CPI(M) workers in 1994, losing both his legs. Despite his injuries, he continued to work for education and social upliftment in his community.
Significance of the Nominations:
These nominations fill vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members and recognize excellence in public service and scholarship. The nominated members will bring valuable expertise and perspectives to the Rajya Sabha, enriching parliamentary deliberations and policymaking.