Nominated Rajya Sabha member and athlete P.T. Usha is now on the panel of Vice-Chairman of the House, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced on December 20 in the House.
- Ms. Usha is the first nominated member in the history of the Rajya Sabha to be included in the panel. The panel members run the House, in the absence both Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
- Under Article 80(1) (3) of the Constitution of India, the President nominates 12 members to Rajya Sabha from people who have special knowledge or practical experience in art, literature, science and social service.
- Rationale behind this principle of nomination is to provide eminent persons a place in the Rajya Sabha without going through process of election.
