4th Schedule of the Indian Constitution: Provisions, Articles & Rajya Sabha Seats Allocated to States & Union Territories

The 4th Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the allocation of the Rajya Sabha among various states and Union Territories in India. 

Out of a total 250 seats, 238 are elected members representing all the states and Union Territories in India, and 12 seats are nominated by the President of India as per their expertise in different fields like literature, science, art, and social services.

Originally, the Constitution of India included only 8 schedules, but currently there are 12 schedules in the Indian Constitution after the various amendments.

The main objective of these schedules is to sort out any uncertainty in any articles of the Indian Constitution.

Schedule of the Indian Constitution

According to the National Portal of India, the Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949, and came into force on 26th January, 1950. Originally, there were 8 Schedules in the Indian Constitution, but later on, with various amendments, currently, there are 12 Schedules in the Indian Constitution. 

Also Read: 

1st Schedule of the Indian Constitution

2nd Schedule of the Indian Constitution

3rd Schedule of the Indian Constitution

4th Schedule of the Indian Constitution

The provisions of the 4th Schedule of the Indian Constitution deal with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha, which is also called the Council of States. 

In the 4th Schedule, it specifies how many seats of the Rajya Sabha will be allocated to each state and Union Territory in India.

The 238 elected members in the Rajya Sabha are chosen through indirect election by the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly.

While 12 seats are reserved for those who have expertise in arts, science, literature, and any social services, these 12 seats are nominated by the President of India.

Currently, there are 245 seats in the Rajya Sabha, whereas

• 233 are elected members from States, and UTs

• 12 are nominated by the President of India

History of the 4th Schedule of the Indian Constitution

In 1949, during the adoption of the Indian Constitution, there were only 217 seats in the Rajya Sabha, of which 205 were elected, and 12 were to be nominated.

And when the Indian Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, the seats were adjusted to 216, of which 204 were to be elected, and 12 were to be nominated.

But, over the years, the number of seats in the Rajya Sabha has increased in response to the formation of new states & territories and based on population changes:

• 1954: 204 elected seats

• 1956: Increased to 207 seats

• 1970: Increased up to 220 seats

• Currently: 238 are elective members, whereas 233 are filled seats

Articles in the 4th Schedule of the Indian Constitution

In the 4th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, there are 2 articles, which are:

1. Article 4(1): Under this article, it explains that whenever there is a formation of a state or alteration of the state, then the 1st Schedule and 4th Schedule must be changed wherever it requires changes.

2. Article 80(2): This article deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). It states that the allocation of seats in each state and UT in India must follow the provisions outlined in the Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Total Rajya Sabha seats Allocated to States & Union Territories in India

The 4th Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha, which has been distributed among the Indian states and Union Territories. In India, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of seats in the Rajya Sabha, with 31 seats.

Here is the Total Rajya Sabha seats Allocated to States & Union Territories in India given below in the table:

Note: This table represents the total of 233 seats which are elected in the Rajya Sabha among the states, and Union Territories in India under the 4th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.