Page 28 - Guide to Parliament House

Chapter V

Rajya Sabha Chamber

The Rajya Sabha Chamber has been constructed on the same pattern as the Lok
Sabha Chamber. Originally the seating capacity of this Chamber was for accommo­
dating 86 Members only. Due to increased membership, as provided in the Con­
stitution of India, the seating arrangement in the Chamber has been remodelled to
provide seating accommodation for 250 Members. The present seating arrange­
ment is as follows:

Seats with desks in the first two rows . . . . 44
Seats without desks 206

TOTAL . . 250

Like the Lok Sabha Chamber, the Rajya Sabha Chamber is also fitted with
modern sound equipment, lighting, heating and cooling systems, Automatic Vote
Recording and Simultaneous Interpretation Systems. Three sound proof telephone
cabins each fitted with a telephone are provided in the Members' Lobby, adjoining
the Chamber.
The Visitors' Galleries of the Rajya Sabha Chamber are divided as follows:—
Seating^
capacity
PubliCiGallery 157
Distinguished Visitors, Diplomatic and Chairman's Gallery , 80
Press Gallery 76
Gallery for Members of Lok Sabha 79

TOTAL . . . 392

The Rajya Sabha Chamber has also got the Official Gallery (situated on the
right side of the Chairman's seat) and the Special Box situated on the left side.

In all other respects, the Rajya Sabha Chamber and the Lok Sabha Chamber are
almost alike.

Chairman*s Room: Just behind the Chairman's Chair is located the room of the
Chairman where he attends to office work and meets Members of Parliament and
others.

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