Recent developments within Indian Parliament have seen members calling for equal state representation and an increased amount of speaking time within the Rajya Sabha. The pressing question on equal representation for states is tied deeply to the Rajya Sabha’s foundational identity as the Council of States, intended to reflect India’s federalist spirit through balanced representation. However, the reality shows a discrepancy in representation stemming from population-based seat allocation which results in varied number of representatives from each state.
Rajya Sabha: Current State Representation
The formula for seat distribution in the Rajya Sabha, the Council of States, is primarily population-based. This means that the number of seats each state gets depends on its population size. So, under the current system, larger states like Uttar Pradesh, having a larger population, get a significantly higher number of representatives – 31 in this case. On the other hand, smaller states such as Tripura are only allotted a single seat in the house.
The same discrepancy applies to the northeastern states, with the exception of Assam, that are only assigned one seat each. This approach, while theoretically democratic, fails to adequately cater to the specific needs and issues of smaller states. These states might punch above their weight in terms of unique problems and necessities requiring representation.
A Demand for Equal Representation
Members of Parliament are now demanding a change in seat allocation within the Rajya Sabha, aligning it more closely with the representation model used in the USA Senate. The USA model offers equal representation in the Senate for all states, regardless of their population size. With 50 states across the country, the Senate has 100 members in total. Each state contributes exactly two members. This uniformity in representation is what some members of the Indian Parliament want to reflect in the Rajya Sabha.
Current Allocation of Speaking Time
Another issue at the forefront is the allocation of speaking time within the Rajya Sabha. As it stands, independent or nominated members, alongside MPs from smaller parties, are given less speaking time in the House.
The amount of time given to Rajya Sabh members to speak is directly proportional to the strength of their party in the House. This rule, unfortunately, limits the benefits that could be derived from the special expertise that the nominated members bring to the table.
Table: Rajya Sabha Seat Distribution
| State | No. of Seats |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 31 |
| Tripura | 1 |
| Nagaland | 1 |
| Mizoram | 1 |
The Call for Change
The recent demand is a call for changing the allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha in line with the USA’s model, providing more democratic representation. Additionally, there is a push for reevaluating the current system of speaking time allocation to ensure every member’s voice is heard and their expertise is used effectively.
