“Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha must serve as bridges between civil society and the legislature”. Discuss the expectations from their role. Evaluate how far this has been realised in the Indian context. Propose measures to enhance their effectiveness.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Q3. “Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha must serve as bridges between civil society and the legislature”. Discuss the expectations from their role. Evaluate how far this has been realised in the Indian context. Propose measures to enhance their effectiveness. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question: The July 2025 nomination of four individuals to the Rajya Sabha has revived discussions on whether nominated members truly represent civil society and contribute substantively to legislative processes. Key Demand of the question: The question requires a discussion of the intended constitutional role of nominated members in the Rajya Sabha, a critical evaluation of their performance in India so far (both achievements and shortcomings), and measures to strengthen their role and impact in Parliament. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Mention Article 80(3) and its rationale—providing a channel for eminent individuals to contribute to lawmaking without contesting elections, thereby linking civil society with the legislature. Body: Outline expectations such as injecting domain expertise, promoting non-partisan debate, and raising issues beyond electoral politics. Evaluate contributions made by some members in fields like agriculture, arts, and education, showing how they’ve fulfilled their role. Critically analyse gaps—low engagement, politicisation of nominations, and lack of institutional support hinder their performance. Recommend reforms like codified nomination procedures, performance tracking, non-political eligibility norms, and dedicated research assistance. Conclusion: End with a forward-looking note on strengthening this constitutional provision to make nominated members true champions of democratic deepening and civil society inclusion.
Why the question:
The July 2025 nomination of four individuals to the Rajya Sabha has revived discussions on whether nominated members truly represent civil society and contribute substantively to legislative processes.
Key Demand of the question:
The question requires a discussion of the intended constitutional role of nominated members in the Rajya Sabha, a critical evaluation of their performance in India so far (both achievements and shortcomings), and measures to strengthen their role and impact in Parliament.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Mention Article 80(3) and its rationale—providing a channel for eminent individuals to contribute to lawmaking without contesting elections, thereby linking civil society with the legislature.
• Outline expectations such as injecting domain expertise, promoting non-partisan debate, and raising issues beyond electoral politics.
• Evaluate contributions made by some members in fields like agriculture, arts, and education, showing how they’ve fulfilled their role.
• Critically analyse gaps—low engagement, politicisation of nominations, and lack of institutional support hinder their performance.
• Recommend reforms like codified nomination procedures, performance tracking, non-political eligibility norms, and dedicated research assistance.
Conclusion: End with a forward-looking note on strengthening this constitutional provision to make nominated members true champions of democratic deepening and civil society inclusion.