The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is the Upper House of the Parliament of India. It is designed to represent the federal character of the nation by providing representation to the States and Union Territories at the central level.- Statement 1 is Correct: The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the States of India in the Parliament. Its institutional role is to protect the interests of the States and maintain the federal balance within the legislative process.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Rajya Sabha has the power to initiate legislation. Ordinary Bills and Constitution Amendment Bills can be introduced in either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha. The restriction on initiating legislation applies only to Money Bills, which must be introduced exclusively in the Lok Sabha.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Members of the Rajya Sabha are not elected directly by the people. They are elected indirectly by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the respective States and Union Territories using the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
Key Takeaway: The Rajya Sabha is an indirectly elected body representing the States. While it cannot initiate Money Bills, it possesses the power to initiate and pass Ordinary and Constitution Amendment Bills.