Rajya Sabha Nomination Process

Rajya Sabha Nomination Process

Why in News Rajya Sabha Nomination Process? 

The Indian government selected four distinguished individuals for the Rajya Sabha in July 2025. They come from law, diplomacy, social work, and literature & education bringing varied experience and insight.

Recent Nominations to Rajya Sabha in July 2025

• • In July 2025, four new members were added to the Rajya Sabha by the Government of India. The nominated persons are:

• Ujjwal Nikam: Ujjwal Nikam is known across the country for his long service as a Special Public Prosecutor in several high-profile criminal cases. He led the prosecution in the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack trial in 2008, ensuring justice in a case that shook the nation.  

• Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Harsh Vardhan Shringla spent more than thirty years serving the nation through the Indian Foreign Service. He was appointed as Foreign Secretary of India in 2020 and retired in 2022. Shringla previously held important diplomatic roles, including India’s Ambassador to the United States and Thailand.

• Meenakshi Jain: Meenakshi Jain is a well-known historian and educator who has contributed significantly to the study of Indian civilisation and cultural heritage. She has taught at Delhi University and has written extensively on Indian civilisation, culture, and identity. Her books have re-examined many historical events with a focus on indigenous sources and narratives. 

• C. Sadanandan Master: C. Sadanandan Master is a dedicated social worker and leader from Kerala. He has worked for decades to empower marginalised communities and promote education in tribal and backward regions. His background as a grassroots activist brings practical knowledge of real-life challenges that rural India faces. 

Who Nominates Members and What is the Process?

• Basis: The Indian Constitution creates space for subject experts to contribute to law-making without participating in electoral politics. This approach is made possible by Article 80, which defines the composition of the Rajya Sabha, or Council of States.

• • • The Rajya Sabha includes 250 members in total, with 238 chosen by the states and union territories and 12 appointed by the President.
    • N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee, originally proposed the idea of including nominated members.

• Constitutional Foundation: Article 80(1)(a) empowers the President of India to nominate twelve individuals to the Rajya Sabha. These appointments are not random or symbolic.

• They are based on the conditions mentioned in Article 80(3), which clearly states that the nominated persons should possess special knowledge or practical experience in one or more of the following areas—literature, science, art, and social service. 

• President’s Role: The President makes these nominations in line with the advice given by the Central Government, as is the general practice in the Indian parliamentary system. 

• While the President is the formal appointing authority, the selection process begins in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). 

• • • The Ministry of Home Affairs handles the nomination process under the Allocation of Business Rules established in 1961.

• Once the selection is finalised, the names are forwarded to the President’s Secretariat for approval. 

• After the President signs the nomination order, the MHA issues an official notification confirming the appointments.

Powers and Resignation Process of Nominated Members in Rajya Sabha

• Powers:

• Legislative Participation: Nominated members have the authority to participate in debates and discussions just like any other Rajya Sabha member. They can introduce private member bills and speak during deliberations on proposed legislation.

• • • Executive Scrutiny: One of the main functions of Parliament is to hold the executive accountable. Nominated members actively take part in this process. They raise questions, participate in discussions during Question Hour and Zero Hour, and contribute to parliamentary committees.

• Financial Authority: Nominated members take part in financial debates held in the Rajya Sabha. They debate on the Union Budget, grants, and economic policies. However, they do not enjoy the power to introduce a Money Bill, as this power rests solely with the Lok Sabha under Article 110 of the Constitution.

• Judicial Functions: Members of Rajya Sabha, including those nominated, take part in constitutional functions like impeachment of the President or removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. When such matters arise, they must vote with a two-thirds majority. 

• • • Special Responsibilities: Under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha holds the authority to legislate on matters from the State List when two-thirds of its members agree to the proposal. Nominated members play a role in these decisions, especially when subjects like education or environment come under national focus.

• Membership Status: A nominated member is free to remain independent or join a political party. However, this choice must be made within six months from the date they take their seat in the House.

• Resignation: A nominated member who wishes to resign must submit a written resignation to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Chairman examines the letter and confirms the resignation. 

• Apart from voluntary resignation, disqualification can also happen under Article 102 of the Constitution. 

• Grounds include office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency, or criminal conviction. 

• • If nominated members join any political party after a 6 months period without formal declaration, their membership can be terminated under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with disqualification on grounds of defection.

Significance of These Nominations for Indian Democracy

• Domain Expertise: These individuals, often scholars, scientists, artists, or social activists, are not bound by political motives. Their presence brings intellectual and practical depth to policy debates. This kind of contribution strengthens the quality of decision-making. 

• Giving Voice: People who have worked at the grassroots, in research, or in creative fields get a direct channel to influence national policy. A social worker from a remote region or a historian with decades of research experience may not win elections, but their voice still matters.

• Creating Bridges: Many of the nominated members have strong roots in civil society. They understand the issues people face daily—be it access to health, rural education, clean water, or women’s rights. When they bring these realities into the Upper House, they help build a link between government policies and public needs. 

Past Notable Nominated Members

• Lata Mangeshkar: The legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1999. She once raised concern over the treatment of artists and lack of institutional support for Indian music traditions. Mangeshkar’s nomination reminded the country that voices from music and art also carry wisdom essential to national unity and cultural preservation.

• • Shyam Benegal: Acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal was nominated in 2006. Known for his socially relevant films, Benegal used his time in the Rajya Sabha to discuss issues related to censorship, media ethics, and the role of public broadcasting. He advocated for reforms in the film certification process and supported initiatives to promote regional cinema.

• M. S. Swaminathan: Agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2007. He played a pivotal role in transforming India from a food-deficient country into a food-surplus nation during the 1960s and 1970s. 

• Raghunath Mohapatra: Master sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra entered the Rajya Sabha in 2018. Known for reviving traditional Odisha temple architecture, his work includes crafting the Jagannath Temple replica and statues of Buddha around India. As a nominated member, he voiced concern over declining traditional arts.