The State Legislature in India, which consists of the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and the State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) where applicable, has powers and functions outlined in the Constitution of India.
1. Lawmaking:
- The primary function of the State Legislature is to make laws on subjects specified in the State List and Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. The State Legislative Assembly is the principal lawmaking body.
2. Budget Approval:
- The State Legislature has the power to approve the state budget presented by the government. This includes voting on expenditure proposals and financial bills.
3. Financial Control:
- The State Legislature exercises control over the finances of the state. It can authorize expenditure, approve taxation measures, and scrutinize financial policies.
4. Questioning and Debates:
- Members of the State Legislature can ask questions, raise issues, and participate in debates. This allows for discussions on matters of public interest, policies, and administration.
5. Representation:
- Members of the State Legislature represent the interests and concerns of their constituents. They act as a link between the government and the people.
6. Policy Formulation:
- The State Legislature contributes to the formulation of policies on various subjects. Members express their views and opinions, influencing government policies.
7. Oversight and Accountability:
- The State Legislature has the power to scrutinize the functioning of the government and hold it accountable. This includes the examination of government policies, programs, and administration.
8. Committees:
- The State Legislature forms various committees, such as Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, and Committee on Public Undertakings, to examine specific issues and aspects of governance.
9. Impeachment:
- In certain cases, the State Legislature can initiate impeachment proceedings against the Governor of the state.
10. Address by the Governor:
The Governor addresses the State Legislature at the beginning of each financial year, outlining the policies and programs of the state government.
11. Money Bills:
Money bills, which exclusively deal with taxation and expenditure, can only be introduced in the State Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Council can only make recommendations on such bills.
12. Approval of State Plans:
The State Legislature approves the state plans, which include both development and non-development expenditures.
13. Passing Resolutions:
The State Legislature can pass resolutions on various issues, expressing the collective will of the members.
14. Constitutional Amendments:
The State Legislature is involved in the process of constitutional amendments. Certain amendments require the approval of a majority of states in addition to the approval of the Parliament.
15. Dissolution and Elections:
The State Legislative Assembly can be dissolved by the Governor, leading to fresh elections. The power to dissolve the Assembly is subject to constitutional provisions.
16. No-Confidence Motion:
Members of the State Legislative Assembly can move a no-confidence motion against the government. If passed, it may lead to the resignation of the government or fresh elections.
17. Conducting Bye-Elections:
In case of vacancies between general elections, the State Election Commission conducts bye-elections as necessary.
These powers and functions collectively contribute to the functioning of the State Legislature as a representative and deliberative body, ensuring governance, accountability, and the welfare of the people in the respective states.
