The Rajya Sabha (House of States) is the upper house of the parliament of India. Membership is limited to 250 members, 12 of whom are chosen by the president for their expertise in specific fields of art, literature, science, and social services. The remainder of the body is elected by the state and territorial legislatures.
Terms of office are for six years, with one third of the members facing re-election every two years.
The Rajya Sabha meets in continuous session and, unlike the lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha, is not subject to dissolution. The Rajya Sabha holds equal legislative power with the Lok Sabha except in the area of finance where the Lok Sabha is given overriding powers. In the case of conflicting legislation a joint sitting of the two houses is held.
The Vice-President of India is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This house elects a Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha from among its members. Deputy chairman takes care of the day-to-day matters (in theory when the chairman is absent).
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