Previous Year Question
Which of the following are correct about the Rajya Sabha?
It is not subject to dissolution.
It has a term of five years.
One third of its members retire after every two years.
Its member shall not be less than 25 years of age.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
1 and 3
2 and 4
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. Under Article 83(1), the Council of States is not subject to dissolution. Unlike the Lok Sabha, it is therefore a permanent House.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Rajya Sabha itself does not have a fixed five-year term because it is a permanent House. The normal term of an individual Rajya Sabha member is six years, as provided under Section 154 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Statement 3 is correct. Article 83(1) provides that, as nearly as possible, one-third of its members retire at the expiration of every second year. This rotational retirement maintains the continuity of the House.
Statement 4 is incorrect. The minimum age for membership of the Rajya Sabha is 30 years, not 25 years. Under Article 84(b), the minimum age is 30 years for the Council of States and 25 years for the House of the People.