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In the Rajya Sabha, the States have been given seats
Explanation
In the Rajya Sabha, seats are allocated to the various States and Union Territories primarily on the basis of their population [2]. This principle is enshrined in the Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which details the specific number of seats assigned to each state [3]. Unlike some federal systems where states have equal representation regardless of size, the Indian system ensures that more populous states receive a higher number of representatives [4]. For example, Uttar Pradesh, being the most populous state, is allocated 31 seats, whereas smaller states like Sikkim or Tripura are allocated only one seat each [4]. This method was chosen by the framers of the Constitution to prevent discrepancies where states with vastly different populations would have the same level of influence in the Council of States [4].
Sources
- [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 23: Parliament > Composition of Rajya Sabha > p. 223
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Composition of Rajya Sabha > p. 223
- [3] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System > Elect 233 Rajya Sabha members > p. 135
- [4] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > WHY DO WE NEED TWO HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT? > p. 105