Consider the following statements about members of the Rajya Sabha:

1. Nominated members are exempted from filing their assets and liabilities.2. A member is not disqualified if he voluntarily leaves the membership of his/her political party once elected as Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha.

Select the correct statement using the codes given below.a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans-[c] 

Explanation– Article 80 of the Constitution lays down the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha as 250, out of which 12 members are nominated by the President and 238 are representatives of the States and of the two Union Territories. These 12 nominated members appointed by the President of India are amongst persons who have special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service.  By adopting the principle of nomination in Rajya Sabha, the Constitution has ensured that the nation must also receive services of the most distinguished persons of the country who have earned distinction in their field of activity, many of whom may not like to face the rough and tumble of the election. A member nominated to the House by the President, is allowed to join a political party if he/she does so within the first six months of taking seat in the House. A member shall not be disqualified on this account, if he voluntarily leaves the membership of his political party after he is elected Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha.

Nominated members are exempted from filing their assets and liabilities unlike other members. Statement 1 is thus correct.