250th Rajya Sabha Session

India

November 26, 2019

250th Rajya Sabha Session

A commemorative postage stamp on the landmark 250^th session of Rajya Sabha, Council of States, the upper house of the bicameral Indian Parliament :

Issued by India

Issued on Nov 26, 2019

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp to mark the 250^th Rajya Sabha Session.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Sh. Suresh Kumar
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 617000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About :

Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament of India, which sagaciously supports democracy, best parliamentary practices and contributes towards nation building under the Chairmanship of the Vice-President of India.
Historically speaking, Bicameral Central Legislature in India came into existence as per the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919 and was inaugurated in 1921 consisting of the Governor-General and two Houses, namely, the Council of States and the Legislative Assembly. Subsequently, the Legislative Assembly was renamed as the House of Assembly under the Government of India Act, 1935. The bicameral arrangement continued till 1947. The Constituent Assembly debated on various aspects from 1946 to 1950 and inter alia decided on a bicameral Central Legislature in India. The Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha together with the President of India constitute ‘Parliament of India’. The Council of States was renamed as Rajya Sabha in the year 1954. As per Constitution of India, the strength of the Rajya Sabha has been fixed at a maximum of 250 members, including 12 nominated members. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, but one-third of its members retire every two years. Members are elected through indirect election, with the idea that the opinion cannot be swayed based on populist demands.
The supreme role of Rajya Sabha is legislation. Apart from this, Rajya Sabha also has a representational role and to hold Government accountable for its action or inaction. It performs judicial functions also for the impeachment of President and removal of Judges. It has a special privilege to legislate on State Subjects and All India Services. However, it has a limited role in the matters of Money Bill vis-a-vis Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha plays an important role as a revising chamber. It has proposed numerous amendments to legislations which have eventually been adopted. As a federal chamber, it endeavours to remain sensitive to aspirations of the States and thus strengthens the country’s federal fabric.
Parliamentary Committees play a vital role in the Parliamentary System. Rajya Sabha possesses an organised system of Committees. They are a vibrant link between the Parliament, the Executive and the general public. At present, there are 12 Parliamentary Standing Committees and 24 Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committees. Out of 24 Department Related Parliamentary Committees, 8 are under the direct control of Rajya Sabha. The Committees provide expertise on a matter and the public is directly or indirectly associated, which helps the Committees in arriving at the conclusions. The Committees have functioned in a non-partisan manner and their deliberations and conclusions have been objective.
Parliament sessions are convened by the President for conduction of legislative functions and business of the House. The President has the power to summon and prorogue either or both the Houses of Parliament. The Parliament normally meets over three sessions in a year.
Since the first session of the Rajya Sabha on 13^th May, 1952, Rajya Sabha has conducted 249 sessions. This house has effectively discharged the role mandated by the Constitution. Apart from legislation, it has constructively deliberated and influenced policies of the Government and provided an environment for ventilation of public grievances. These responsibilities were discharged by Rajya Sabha through various time-tested procedural mechanisms and by introducing new procedures.
During the 249 Sessions that Rajya Sabha held so far, it has played a constructive and effective role. Its performance in the legislative field and in influencing the Government policies has been quite significant. Rajya Sabha has worked for the unity and integrity of the nation and has reinforced the faith of the people in a democracy.
Text : Based on information received from the proponent.