Composition of State Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council

The composition of the State Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council in India varies based on the state.

State Legislative Assembly:

1. Members:
   • The State Legislative Assembly, also known as the Vidhan Sabha, consists of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
2. Election:
   • Members of the Legislative Assembly are elected directly by the people of the state through general elections. The elections are held on the basis of adult suffrage.
3. Seats:
   • The number of seats in the Legislative Assembly is determined based on the population of the state. The total number of seats can be altered through delimitation exercises.
4. Duration:
   • The term of the Legislative Assembly is generally five years. However, it can be dissolved earlier, leading to the conduct of fresh elections.
5. Speaker:
   • The Legislative Assembly elects a Speaker from among its members to preside over its proceedings.
6. Deputy Speaker:
   • A Deputy Speaker may also be elected to assist the Speaker in their duties.
7. Quorum:
   • A minimum number of members, known as quorum, is required for the conduct of the assembly’s business.

State Legislative Council:

1. Members:
   • The State Legislative Council, also known as the Vidhan Parishad, consists of Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs).
2. Composition:
   • The composition of the Legislative Council includes members elected by various constituencies, graduates, teachers, local authority members, and nominated members.
3. Graduates’ and Teachers’ Constituencies:
   • Some members of the Legislative Council are elected by graduates and teachers based on specific constituencies.
4. Local Authorities’ Constituencies:
   • Another set of members is elected by members of local authorities such as municipalities, district boards, etc.
5. Nominated Members:
   • The Governor nominates members with expertise in various fields, such as literature, science, art, social service, and cooperative movement.
6. Duration:
   • The term of the Legislative Council is generally six years. However, the Council is a continuous body, and its members are not all elected at the same time. The elections and nominations are staggered.
7. Chairman:
   • The Legislative Council elects a Chairman from among its members to preside over its proceedings.
8. Deputy Chairman:
   • Similar to the Legislative Assembly, a Legislative Council may have a Deputy Chairman to assist the Chairman.
9. Quorum:
   • A minimum number of members, known as quorum, is required for the conduct of the council’s business.

Distinctive Features:

1. Origin:
   • Legislative Assemblies are directly elected bodies, while Legislative Councils have a mix of directly elected, nominated, and representation from various constituencies.
2. Abolition or Creation:
   • Some states have abolished the Legislative Council, while others have opted to create one or continue with the existing council.
3. Advisory Role:
   • Legislative Councils often have an advisory role, and they may review legislation but usually cannot indefinitely block money bills.
4. Graduate and Teacher Constituencies:
   • The existence of graduate and teacher constituencies is a distinctive feature of the Legislative Council.

It’s important to note that not all states in India have Legislative Councils. The decision to have a Legislative Council is made by the state government and is subject to constitutional provisions.