Find out the correct group in relation to their seats in Rajya Sabha :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:

The correct option is 4: Maharastra - 19. This pair accurately represents the number of seats allocated to Maharashtra in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the upper house of the Indian Parliament. The allocation of Rajya Sabha seats is governed by the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India and is based primarily on the population of each state, following the principle of proportional representation. Maharashtra, being the second most populous state in India at the time of the last major reapportionment, rightly holds a substantial number of seats to ensure equitable representation in the federal structure. The 19 seats allotted to Maharashtra reflect its significant demographic size and its political importance within the Union. These members are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) through the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.

The incorrect option is 1:

The option "Uttar Pradesh - 35" is incorrect because the actual number of Rajya Sabha seats allocated to Uttar Pradesh (UP) is 31, not 35. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, and consequently, it is allotted the largest number of seats in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The 31 seats allotted to UP reflect its immense population size, which ensures that its demographic weight is fully represented in the upper chamber of the Parliament. The figure 35 significantly overstates UP's actual representation, making this pair inaccurate.

The incorrect option is 2:

The option "Rajasthan - 12" is incorrect. Rajasthan, the largest state in India by area, is allocated 10 seats in the Rajya Sabha, not 12. Seat allocation relies on population rather than geographical size. Rajasthan's population ranks lower than the allocation suggested by the number 12. The allocation of 10 seats correctly reflects Rajasthan's population strength relative to other states as per the provisions of the Constitution, specifically the Fourth Schedule.

The incorrect option is 3:

The option "Bihar - 14" is incorrect. The state of Bihar is currently allocated 16 seats in the Rajya Sabha. Bihar is one of the more populous states in India, and its constitutional representation reflects this. The figure 14 is two seats short of the actual number of seats Bihar is entitled to in the Council of States. Given the system of population-based allocation, having 16 seats allows Bihar's political and demographic weight to be adequately represented in the decisions made by the Rajya Sabha.