With reference to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements: 1. The allocation of seats to the States and Union Territories in the Rajya Sabha is laid down in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution. 2. The representatives of States in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. 3. The Vice-President of India acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha but is not a member of this House. 4. Rajya Sabha can authorize the Parliament to legislate on a subject in the State List by passing a resolution supported by a simple majority. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to the States and Union Territories. Statement 2 is correct: Representatives of states in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies through indirect election. Statement 3 is correct: The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, but he is not a member of either House of Parliament. Statement 4 is incorrect: Under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha can authorize the Parliament to make laws on a subject in the State List, but this requires a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting (special majority), not a simple majority.