In the structure of the Indian Parliament, which of the following is constitutionally competent to dissolve the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)?

Introduction / Context:
The Parliament of India consists of two Houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). While the Lok Sabha can be dissolved, leading to general elections, the Rajya Sabha has a different character. This question checks whether you know that the Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and what that implies about the power to dissolve it.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The Rajya Sabha is one of the two Houses of Parliament in India.
- The options suggest various authorities that might be able to dissolve it or state that no one can do so.
- The key concept is the difference between dissolution and retirement by rotation.

Concept / Approach:
The Constitution of India describes the Rajya Sabha as a permanent body that is not subject to dissolution. Instead, one third of its members retire every two years, and new members are elected to fill those seats. This system ensures continuity. Therefore, unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved by any authority, including the President or a joint session. The correct answer highlights its permanent nature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Lok Sabha can be dissolved by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers, leading to new elections. Step 2: In contrast, the Rajya Sabha is described as a permanent House whose members have staggered terms. Step 3: Because members retire by rotation rather than all at once, there is no provision in the Constitution for dissolution of the Rajya Sabha. Step 4: Therefore, neither the President nor the Chairman nor a joint session can dissolve the Rajya Sabha. Step 5: The correct statement is that no one can dissolve the Rajya Sabha, because it is a permanent House.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by reading the constitutional provisions regarding the Rajya Sabha. Standard polity textbooks also emphasise that it is a continuing chamber. The fact that only one third of members retire every two years further confirms this. Since there is never a moment when all seats are vacated at once, dissolution does not apply.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- The President of India: The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha but has no power to dissolve the Rajya Sabha.
- The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha: The Chairman presides over the House but has no authority to dissolve it.
- A joint session of Parliament: Joint sessions are convened to resolve deadlocks over legislation, not to dissolve any House.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that because the President can dissolve the Lok Sabha, the same applies to the Rajya Sabha. Another error is to confuse dissolution with adjournment or prorogation. Adjournment and prorogation are temporary breaks in sittings, while dissolution ends the term of a House. The Rajya Sabha is never dissolved, so this distinction is very important.

Final Answer:
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and no one is constitutionally competent to dissolve it.