Current Context : President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers, nominated four eminent personalities to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution.
ABOUT THE NOMINATION:
- Article 80(1)(a): Enables the President to nominate up to 12 members with expertise in art, literature, science, and social service.
- These appointments fill vacancies left vacant for almost a year.
NEW NOMINEES:
- Ujjwal Nikam – Renowned special public prosecutor in cases like 26/11, Mumbai blasts, Pramod Mahajan murder; awarded Padma Shri (2016).
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla – Former Foreign Secretary, key architect of India’s G20 Presidency, and veteran diplomat.
- Sadanandan Master – Kerala-based teacher turned social worker who overcame political violence to champion youth empowerment.
- Dr Meenakshi Jain – Esteemed historian and academic in education, literature, and political science.