INTRODUCTION
State Legislative Council is the upper house of the state legislature in some states of India. The legislative council, also known as Vidhan Parishad, is a permanent body with members serving a fixed term, unlike the lower house or Vidhan Sabha whose members face re-election every five years.
The composition of the legislative council varies from state to state. Members of the council are either elected or nominated by various bodies such as local governments, educational institutions, and distinguished personalities in various fields.
The primary role of the legislative council is to provide a platform for in-depth debate and discussion of bills passed by the lower house before they become laws. The council also plays an important role in scrutinizing the actions of the government and can reject bills passed by the lower house if they deem them to be against the interests of the state.
Currently, seven Indian states have a legislative council: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
COMPOSITION
The composition of the State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) in India can vary from state to state. The members of the council are either elected or nominated by various bodies. The following are the different methods of composition of the Legislative Council:
- MEMBERS NOMINATED BY THE GOVERNOR : In some states, the governor can nominate members to the Legislative Council. These members are usually eminent personalities from various fields such as science, art, literature, social work, etc. The Governor of the state can nominate one-sixth of the total members of the Legislative Council from persons who have distinguished themselves in literature, science, art, social service, or cooperative movement.
- MEMBERS ELECTED BY LOCAL BODIES : Members of the Legislative Council can also be elected by local bodies such as municipalities, panchayats, and district councils. This method ensures that the voices of local people are represented in the state legislature. One-third of the members are elected by the members of local bodies.
- MEMBERS ELECTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY : In some states, members of the Legislative Council are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly. This method ensures that the members of the upper house have a close connection with the lower house. One-third of the members are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assembly.
- MEMBERS ELECTED BY REGISTERED GRADUATES : In some states, graduates who are registered voters can elect members to the Legislative Council. This method ensures that educated and knowledgeable people have a say in the state legislature. One-twelfth of the members are elected by registered graduates who have completed their graduation from a university in the state.
- MEMBERS ELECTED BY TEACHERS : In some states, teachers who are registered voters can elect members to the Legislative Council. This method ensures that the views of the education sector are represented in the state legislature. One-twelfth of the members are elected by teachers who have been teaching in educational institutions in the state for at least three years.
- MEMBERS ELECTED BY REGISTERED VOTERS : In some states, registered voters can directly elect members to the Legislative Council. This method ensures that the members of the upper house are accountable to the people and not just to a select few. One-twelfth of the members are elected by registered voters in the state who are not covered under any of the above categories.
FUNCTIONS AND ROLE
The State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) in India plays a crucial role in the functioning of the state legislature. The following are the various functions and roles of the Legislative Council:
- REVIEW AND REVISION OF BILLS : The primary function of the Legislative Council is to provide a platform for in-depth debate and discussion of bills passed by the lower house before they become laws. The council can review, scrutinize and amend bills passed by the lower house. The council can also delay or reject bills if they deem them to be against the interests of the state.
- REPRESENTATION OF INTERESTS : The members of the Legislative Council represent various interests such as social, economic, cultural, and regional interests. The council provides a platform for these interests to be represented and heard.
- CHECK AND BALANCE ON THE LOWER HOUSE : The Legislative Council acts as a check and balance on the lower house. It ensures that the bills passed by the lower house are not biased and are in the interest of the state as a whole. The council can reject bills passed by the lower house if they deem them to be against the interests of the state.
- CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS : The Legislative Council plays a crucial role in the process of amending the state constitution. Any amendment to the state constitution requires the approval of both houses of the state legislature, and the council can play a key role in ensuring that the amendment is in the best interest of the state.
- PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT : The members of the Legislative Council can participate in the governance of the state by serving on various committees and commissions. They can also hold discussions with the government officials and provide recommendations and suggestions for better governance.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the State Legislative Council, also known as the Vidhan Parishad, is an important part of the state legislature in India. The composition of the council can vary from state to state, with members either elected or nominated by various bodies. The primary role of the Legislative Council is to provide a platform for in-depth debate and discussion of bills passed by the lower house before they become laws. The council also acts as a check and balance on the lower house, represents various interests, plays a crucial role in the process of amending the state constitution, and participates in the governance of the state. Overall, the Legislative Council serves as an important forum for the representation of various voices and ensures that the interests of the state and its people are well-represented.