Previous Year Question

The Rajya Sabha, constitutionally known as the Council of States, was constituted for the first time on 3 April 1952. Therefore, the year asked in the question is 1952.

An important distinction is between its constitution and its first sitting. The Rajya Sabha was constituted on 3 April 1952, whereas its first sitting was held on 13 May 1952. That first sitting was presided over by the then Chairman, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.

Another useful fact is that the House was originally referred to as the Council of States. On 23 August 1954, the Chairman announced in the House that the Council of States would be called “Rajya Sabha” in Hindi.

The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and is not subject to dissolution. Approximately one-third of its members retire every second year, and the normal term of a member is six years.

Thus, the useful examination sequence is—3 April 1952: constitution → 13 May 1952: first sitting → 23 August 1954: announcement of the name ‘Rajya Sabha’.