The correct option is Proportional Representation with Single Transferable Vote
Explanation
The Constitution of India prescribes specific electoral methods for different constitutional bodies. While the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies are elected directly by the people, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) represents the federal character of the nation and is elected indirectly.
Option Analysis
- Proportional Representation with Single Transferable Vote is Correct: According to Article 80(4) of the Constitution, the representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of that State. The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (STV). This ensures that the representation of various political parties in the Rajya Sabha roughly corresponds to their strength in the State Assemblies.
- First Past the Post with reserved constituencies is Incorrect: The First Past the Post (FPTP) system is used for direct elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. In this system, the candidate with the highest number of votes wins, regardless of vote share percentage.
- Proportional Representation with the entire country as one constituency is Incorrect: Proportional Representation with the entire country as a single constituency is used in countries like Israel or the Netherlands. In India, Rajya Sabha seats are allocated to States based on population (Fourth Schedule), and elections are held at the state level, not as a single national constituency.
- List System with multi-member constituencies is Incorrect: The List System is a variant of proportional representation where voters vote for a party list rather than individual candidates. This system is not utilized for Rajya Sabha elections in India.
Key Takeaway: Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using the system of Proportional Representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) to ensure minority representation and federal balance.