Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution – Rajya Sabha Seat Allocation
Introduction
The Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is directly linked to the Upper House of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha. It outlines how many seats are allocated to each State and Union Territory of India. This allocation is governed by the Article 4(1) and Article 80(2) of the Constitution. When changes are made in state boundaries or formation under these Articles, the Fourth Schedule is also modified accordingly.
Let’s explore the Rajya Sabha seat allocation as per the Fourth Schedule, arranged in descending order of seats:
Rajya Sabha Seat Allocation – State & UT Wise
State / Union Territory | Seats |
---|---|
Uttar Pradesh | 31 |
Maharashtra | 19 |
Andhra Pradesh | 18 |
Tamil Nadu | 18 |
Bihar | 16 |
West Bengal | 16 |
Karnataka | 12 |
Gujarat | 11 |
Madhya Pradesh | 11 |
Rajasthan | 10 |
Orissa (Odisha) | 10 |
Kerala | 9 |
Assam | 7 |
Punjab | 7 |
Jharkhand | 6 |
Haryana | 5 |
Chhattisgarh | 5 |
Jammu and Kashmir | 4 |
Delhi (NCT) | 3 |
Uttarakhand | 3 |
Himachal Pradesh | 3 |
Goa | 1 |
Nagaland | 1 |
Manipur | 1 |
Tripura | 1 |
Meghalaya | 1 |
Sikkim | 1 |
Mizoram | 1 |
Arunachal Pradesh | 1 |
Puducherry | 1 |
Legal Connection
- Article 4(1) – Allows Parliament to make laws for reorganizing states.
- Article 80(2) – Provides the framework for the composition of Rajya Sabha and allocation of seats.
Whenever a new state is created, or an existing state's boundary is modified, the seat distribution is also adjusted, and the Fourth Schedule is amended accordingly.
Conclusion
The Fourth Schedule ensures fair representation of every Indian state and union territory in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). It reflects the federal structure of our democracy and is a living part of the Constitution, capable of change with India's evolving political geography.
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