President Ram Nath Kovind nominated four members to Rajya Sabha

President Ram Nath Kovind nominated four members to Rajya Sabha: Details, Names

President Ram Nath Kovind has nominated four members to Rajya Sabha which includes former MP Ram Shakal, RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha, classical dancer Sonal Mansingh and stone artist Raghunath Mohapatra.

All the four members were nominated as per Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution, based on the recommendation of Council of Minister headed by Prime Minister Naredra Modi.

Prior to these four nominations, there were eight nominated members in Rajya Sabha.

As per Article 80 (Part V) of the Constitution, the President can nominate 12 members in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). These persons should have special knowledge or practical experience in the field of Art, Science, Literature and Social Service.

The rationale behind the principle of the nomination is to facilitate the representation of eminent professionals and experts who cannot face direct elections

Proposed Members Profile

Ram Shakal is farmers leader and the public representative from Uttar Pradesh. He was the three-time member of Lok Sabha, representing Robertsganj constituency of Uttar Pradesh.

Rakesh Sinha is RSS ideologue Sinha and is the founder and honorary director of Delhi-based think-tank India Policy Foundation. He was a professor at Motilal Nehru College of Delhi University and also a member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).

Raghunath Mohapatra is internationally renowned authority on stone carving. He has contributed to the preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments. His famous works include a 6-feet-high statue of sun god carved in grey sandstone in Central Hall of Parliament and Wooden Buddha, Buddha Temple, Paris, France.

Sonal Mansingh is among India’s foremost exponents of Indian classical dance expertise in Bharatnatyam & Odissi forms. She is also a well-known choreographer, teacher, orator and social activist. She founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances in Delhi in 1977.