President Nominated Satnam Singh Sandhu to the Rajya Sabha

President Droupadi Murmu nominated educationist Satnam Singh Sandhu, founder of Chandigarh University, to the Rajya Sabha.

About Satnam Singh Sandhu

• Sandhu, who is the son of a farmer, founded the Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) at Landran in Mohali in 2001. He went on to establish Chandigarh University in 2012. 
• Sandhu is a social worker who actively participates in large-scale community efforts to improve health and wellness. 
• Additionally, he is committed to advancing communal harmony through his two NGOs, the Indian Minorities Foundation and the New India Development (NID) Foundation.

About Rajya Sabha

• The Council of States, also known as the Rajya Sabha, is the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. It is composed of representatives from each state and union territory, as well as individuals nominated by the President of India. 
• Chairman: The ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha is the Vice-President of India. The Prime Minister appoints the senior-most minister, who is a member of Rajya Sabha, as the Leader of the House.
• Deputy Chairman: The Deputy Chairman is chosen from among its members. The Deputy Chairman presides over the house when the Chairman is absent.
  • Additionally, there is a panel of "Vice Chairmen" in the Rajya Sabha. 
• Members: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and comprises 250 members in total, out of which 238 members represent the States and Union Territories, while the remaining 12 members are nominated by the President. 
  • As per the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India, the President has the authority to nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for a six-year term based on their contributions in the fields of arts, literature, science and social services.
• Tenure: Every second year, one-third of the members retire and are replaced by newly elected members. Newly elected members stay for six years in the House.