Composition of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha (Articles 80–81)

At a Glance

• What it is The strength and manner of choosing members of the two Houses
• Articles Articles 79, 80 and 81; Fourth Schedule for Rajya Sabha seats
• Rajya Sabha Maximum 250: 238 elected indirectly, 12 nominated
• Lok Sabha Maximum 550: 530 from states, 20 from Union territories
• Exam link UPSC Prelims, Polity: Parliament

Where Does It Fit?

This is the first topic of the category on Parliament. Articles 79 to 122 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the organisation, composition, duration, officers, procedures, privileges and powers of Parliament. Parliament consists of three parts: the President, the Council of States and the House of the People.

Organisation of Parliament

Under the Constitution, Parliament of India consists of the President, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). The Hindi names were adopted in 1954. The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House (second chamber or House of Elders) and the Lok Sabha is the Lower House (first chamber or popular House). The former represents the states and Union territories, the latter the people of India as a whole. The President is not a member of either House and does not sit in Parliament, but is an integral part of it because a bill passed by both Houses cannot become law without assent. India followed the British pattern here: the Crown-in-Parliament in Britain and the President-in-Parliament in India, whereas the American President is not part of Congress.

Composition of the Rajya Sabha

The maximum strength is 250, of which 238 are representatives of the states and Union territories (elected indirectly) and 12 are nominated by the President. At present the Rajya Sabha has 245 members: 225 for the states, 8 for the Union territories and 12 nominated. The Fourth Schedule deals with allocation of seats.

Representatives of the states are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies, by proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Seats are allotted on the basis of population, so the number varies from state to state: Uttar Pradesh has 31 members while Tripura has only 1. In the USA, by contrast, every state has two Senators irrespective of population, and the Senate has 100 members. The representatives of each Union territory are indirectly elected by an electoral college specially constituted for the purpose, also by the single transferable vote. Of the eight Union territories, only three (Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir) have representation. The President nominates 12 members from people having special knowledge or practical experience in art, literature, science and social service, to give eminent persons a place without going through an election. The American Senate has no nominated members.

Composition of the Lok Sabha

The maximum strength is 550, of which 530 represent the states and 20 the Union territories. At present the Lok Sabha has 543 members: 524 from the states and 19 from the Union territories. Representatives of the states are directly elected from territorial constituencies on the basis of universal adult franchise: every citizen above 18 years, not disqualified, may vote. The voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 by the 61st Amendment Act of 1988. Parliament has prescribed the manner of choosing representatives of the Union territories through the Union Territories (Direct Election to the House of the People) Act, 1965, which provides for direct election.

Before 2020 the President nominated two members of the Anglo-Indian community if it was not adequately represented. The provision was originally for ten years, extended by ten years each time until 2020, the last extension being made by the 95th Amendment Act of 2009. The 104th Amendment Act of 2019 did not extend it, and it ceased to have effect on 25 January 2020.

Comparison of the Two Houses

Why Is This Topic Important?

• Numbers Strengths and nomination figures are standard
• USA comparison Equal Senate seats versus population-based seats
• Link to elections First step in the Parliament category

What Came Next?

The next topic covers the duration of the Houses of Parliament.

Key People and Terms

• Council of States Rajya Sabha
• House of the People Lok Sabha
• Fourth Schedule Allocation of Rajya Sabha seats
• Universal adult franchise Vote for all adult citizens
• Anglo-Indian nomination Ended on 25 January 2020

Exam Corner

Mains Angle

Questions on this topic usually ask about federal representation. Use these points to add depth.

• Federal chamber Rajya Sabha represents states, though by population
• Direct and indirect Different electoral methods
• Nominations Expert voices in the Rajya Sabha
• Comparison USA Senate has equal state seats