Former Deputy Chairman appointed to Upper House under Article 80 provision
New Delhi, April 10: President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Harivansh Narayan Singh, former Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as a member of the Upper House. The appointment fills the vacancy created after the retirement of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, according to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday.
The nomination has been made under Article 80 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to nominate up to 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for their distinguished contributions in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service, including journalism.
Background and Career
Harivansh Narayan Singh is a noted journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Hindi daily Prabhat Khabar. He is widely recognised for strengthening the publication’s reach and credibility, including its investigative reporting on major issues such as the fodder scam.
He entered Parliament in 2014 with the support of the Janata Dal (United) and went on to serve as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from August 2018. He was re-elected to the post in September 2020.
Role in Parliament
During his tenure as Deputy Chairman, Singh was known for maintaining balance and decorum in proceedings, often being appreciated for his impartial conduct and adherence to parliamentary procedures.
His re-nomination to the Rajya Sabha soon after the completion of his previous term reflects continued confidence in his experience and contributions to legislative functioning.
Constitutional Context
Article 80 provides for the nomination of individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, enabling the House to benefit from their expertise and perspectives.
Such nominations are intended to enrich parliamentary debates and bring diverse professional experience into the legislative process.
Public Impact
Singh’s return to the Rajya Sabha is expected to contribute to informed discussions, particularly drawing from his background in journalism and public affairs.
His experience in both media and parliamentary roles positions him to play a role in strengthening democratic discourse.
Conclusion
The nomination of Harivansh Narayan Singh underscores the role of experienced professionals in India’s parliamentary system, reinforcing the importance of diverse expertise in governance and policy-making. (With inputs from H.S.)
Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshitha Bollu
Last Updated on: Friday, April 10, 2026 5:07 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Friday, April 10, 2026 5:06 pm | News Categories: India
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