Harivansh Becomes First Nominated Member to Serve as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh  has been elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for the third consecutive time, becoming the first nominated member to hold this position. 

Election Details

He was elected unopposed, with the motion moved by JP Nadda, Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, after the post fell vacant following the end of his previous term. 

Nomination to Rajya Sabha

Harivansh was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Droupadi Murmu after a vacancy created by the retirement of Ranjan Gogoi. 

Constitutional Provisions

• Under Article 89(3) of the Constitution of India, the Rajya Sabha must elect a Deputy Chairman whenever the post becomes vacant.
• Article 80 of the Constitution of India provides for 12 nominated members chosen by the President.
• As per Article 99 of the Constitution of India, a nominated member has six months to join a political party after taking their seat.
• The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India states that joining a party after six months leads to disqualification.

Rights of Nominated Members

Nominated members enjoy equal parliamentary privileges as elected members, including:

• Participation in debates and proceedings
• Voting on all matters, including Constitutional Amendments

However, they cannot vote in the election of the President, but can vote in the Vice-President’s election.