NEW DELHI: In an unusual scenario, two seats of nominated members in
Rajya Sabha
have remained vacant in the Upper House for more than 20 months.
Though it didn't have any ramification on legislative works, the vacancy in the Upper House for such a long period is surprising when the government could have easily picked up two suitable candidates to fill the slot.
Twelve members having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art and social service are nominated in this category in Rajya Sabha by the President on the advice of the central government.
Seven Rajya Sabha seats under nominated category had fallen vacant in April-May 2022. Five of them got filled within four months after the President nominated P T Usha (athlete), D V Heggade (social worker),
V Vijayendra Prasad
(screenwriter-director) and Ilaiyaraaja (music composer) in July, and
Gulam Ali
in Sept 2022. But two seats have continued to remain vacant since May 2022.
Nominated members enjoy all powers, privileges and immunities available to an elected member of Parliament. They take part in the proceedings of the Upper House as any other member. They, however, are not entitled to vote in the election of the President of India. But in the election of the Vice-President of India, they have a right to vote.
A nominated member can join a political party within six months of taking his/her seat in the Upper House. Five of the 10 current nominated MPs have joined the BJP. They are: Ram Shakal, Rakesh Sinha, Sonal Mansingh, Mahesh Jehmalani and Gulam Ali. While
Ali
will retire in Sept 2028, the other four will retire in July this year.
Five other nominated members who did not join any political party after being nominated include Ranjan Gogoi (former Chief Justice of India), P T Usha, D V Heggade, V
Vijayendra Prasad
and Ilaiyaraaja. Nominated members invariably support the government in legislative business and therefore they are considered quite crucial for passing any bills if the ruling party/alliance doesn't have a majority in the Upper House.
In the House of 245, there are currently five other vacancies, which include four from Jammu & Kashmir and one from Rajasthan .
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