STATE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Part VI (Art 168-212)

State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)

• States with LCs:
• AP, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana,
  UP

How LCs are Created/Abolished (ART–169)

Step1: Legislative Assembly

• Pass a resolution in the assembly with
  a special majority
• More than 50% of Total Strength & at
  least 2/3rd members Present & Voting
  

Step2: Parliament

• The resolution has to be approved by
  both the Houses.
• Simple Majority – More than 50% of
  members Present & Voting

REASONS FOR CREATING LC

• Help check hasty legislation.
• Help non-elected members contribute to legislative
  process
• Providing valuable suggestion
• Representation of special interests

Misuse Of Councils

• Can be used to delay legislation.
• Park leaders who are not able to win election.
• Strain states’ finances.

Composition of LCs

• Max – 1/3rd of LA
• Min – 40

1/3	elected by the members of local bodies in the state like municipalities, district boards, etc
1/3	elected by the members of the legislative assembly of the state from amongst persons who are not members of the assembly
1/12	elected by graduates of three years standing and residing within the state
1/12	elected by teachers of three years standing in the state, not lower in standard than secondary school
1/6	nominated by the governor from amongst persons who have a special knowledge or practical experience of literature, science, art, cooperative movement and social service

Equality in Power & Status of LAs & LCs

• Introduction and passage of ordinary bills.
• Approval of ordinances issued by the governor
• Selection of ministers including the chief minister.
• Consideration of the reports of the constitutional
  bodies like SFCs, SPSCs, CAG etc.
• Enlargement of the jurisdiction of the state public
  service commission