In a significant development, President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha, India’s Upper House of Parliament, under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution. The move brings voices from diverse fields such as law, education, diplomacy, and history into the legislative process.
The newly nominated members include:
- Ujjwal Nikam – A renowned criminal lawyer noted for handling high-profile cases.
- Sadanandan Master – An educator and social worker focused on youth empowerment.
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla – Former Foreign Secretary and key figure during India’s G20 presidency.
- Meenakshi Jain – A respected historian and academic with deep contributions to literature and political science.
These appointments aim to fill existing vacancies and enhance the quality of debate in Parliament. Under Article 80, the President can nominate individuals with exceptional achievements in art, literature, science, and social service.
Such nominations enrich the Rajya Sabha with non-political insights and promote inclusive governance through expert participation.

