New Delhi: The President has nominated four individuals—Ujjwal Nikam, C. Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Meenakshi Jain—to the Rajya Sabha, representing the fields of law, education, diplomacy, and academia. Their appointments aim to bring diverse professional experiences to the Upper House, as per the constitutional provision allowing the President to nominate 12 members with special knowledge or practical experience in areas such as literature, science, art, and social service.
Ujjwal Nikam, a lawyer, has worked on notable legal cases, often focusing on constitutional issues and public interest matters. His career involves representing clients in high-profile cases, and his nomination may contribute legal perspectives to discussions on justice and governance. C. Sadanandan Master, a teacher and social worker, has been involved in education and community initiatives, with a focus on youth development in challenging environments, potentially influencing debates on education and social policy. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a former diplomat, has experience in foreign policy and contributed to India’s G20 Presidency, which could inform discussions on India’s global engagements. Meenakshi Jain, a historian and researcher, has published works in education, literature, history, and political science, focusing on India’s historical and cultural narratives, likely adding scholarly input to legislative deliberations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commenting on the nominations, stated, “These nominations to the Rajya Sabha reflect a commitment to bringing diverse expertise to our legislative process.”
The President’s decision highlights an intent to incorporate professionals from varied domains into the legislative framework. The nominations have drawn attention, with observers noting the potential for these individuals to contribute to policy discussions based on their backgrounds.
However, the track record of nominated members in the Rajya Sabha has been mixed, with some facing criticism for limited engagement. For instance, past nominated members like Sachin Tendulkar and Rekha have been critiqued for poor attendance and minimal participation in legislative work, raising questions about the effectiveness of such appointments. While nominated members enjoy the same privileges as elected MPs, including the right to participate in debates and vote on most matters (except presidential elections), their contributions vary. Recent examples, such as Sudha Murty, nominated in 2024, show active participation in discussions on social issues, leveraging her philanthropy background. The current nominees, with their specialised expertise, are expected to engage actively, but their impact will depend on their ability to navigate the legislative process and prioritise parliamentary duties.
– global bihari bureau
