Explanation:

Under Article 80(3) of the Constitution, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) includes 12 members nominated by the President of India from amongst persons who have special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art and social service. The rationale behind such system is to not only recognizes their merit and confers honour on them, but also enables them to enrich the debates by their expertise and knowledge.

Nominated members enjoy all powers, privileges and immunities available to an elected member of Parliament. They take part in the proceedings of the House as any other member. They, however, are not entitled to vote in the election of the President of India. But in the election of the Vice-President of India, they have a right to vote. So far, none from them has been inducted into the Council of Ministers.

A nominated member is allowed six months, should he decide to join a political party after he has taken his seat in the House in terms of Article 99 of the Constitution. A nominated member has also been exempted from filing his assets and liabilities under Section 75A of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 which requires the elected member to do so within 90 days of his making or subscribing oath/affirmation.