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General Knowledge for SSC Exams (Rajya Sabha)

It is the Council of states which is also known as the Upper House. It is made up representatives from the states and members nominated by the President, who have distinguished themselves in literature, arts, science or social service.

Strength	250 members (238 members representing the States and Union Territories who come through election and 12 members who are nominated by the President).
Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Tenure	Deputy Chairman is elected from the members of the Rajya Sabha. Tenure The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, not subject to dissolution. A third of its members retire after every two years. Thus, every member enjoys a six-tenure.
Functions	Shares with the Lok Sabha, the power of amending the Constitution can originate any bill (except a money bill); refer the charge of impeachment against the President. The elected members of the Rajya Sabha take part in the election of the president and the Vice-President.

Emoluments

The members of the Council of Ministers receive the same salaries and allowances as paid to other MP’s. In addition they get a sumptuary allowance. At present, a Member of Parliament draws a monthly salary of Rs. 4,000. They get, in addition to the monthly salary, a secretarial allowance (Rs. 2,500 per month), Constituency allowance (Rs. 8,000 per month and daily allowance (Rs. 400) a car advance upto Rs. 1 lakh and free to-and-fro air tickets upto 16 journey (or 32 single journeys). The spouses of MPs are entitled to free rail travel throughout the country. On retirement, MPs draw a monthly pension of Rs. 2,500 and widows of MPs get Rs. 1,000 as: pension. Moreover, they are also entitled to free accommodation, medical and travel, facilities.