President Droupadi Murmu has appointed four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha in an effort to bring expertise and enrich legislative debates in Parliament. The nominations of criminal lawyer Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, historian Meenakshi Jain, and social worker C. Sadanandan Master come following the retirement of previous nominated members.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification late Saturday announcing the appointments, in accordance with Article 80 of the Constitution which allows for the nomination of professionals with deep domain expertise to the Upper House of Parliament.
Ujjwal Nikam, a well-known criminal lawyer who served as the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, brings a wealth of legal experience to the Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Nikam’s commitment to upholding Constitutional values and ensuring justice for all citizens.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a former Foreign Secretary with extensive diplomatic experience, has held key roles in various countries and was appointed Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. Modi highlighted Shringla’s global perspective as a valuable addition to the Rajya Sabha.
Meenakshi Jain, a historian and Padma Shri awardee recognized for her contributions to Indian history and education, was lauded by the Prime Minister for enriching academic discourse. Her appointment is seen as a significant addition to the Upper House.
C. Sadanandan Master, a social worker from Kerala who lost both legs in a political attack in 1994 but continued to serve the public, has been commended by Modi for his dedication to national development and youth empowerment. His appointment reflects a diverse range of experiences in the Rajya Sabha.
With these four nominations, the vacant seats in the Rajya Sabha designated for individuals who have excelled in fields such as literature, science, arts, and social service have now been filled. The move is expected to enhance the quality of debates and discussions in the Upper House of Parliament.
