Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)

The Vidhan Parishad is the upper house of the State Legislature in India, present only in a few states with a bicameral system.

Introduction

The Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) is the upper house of the state legislature. Not all states have a Legislative Council — only a few like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Composition of Vidhan Parishad

  • Article 171 of the Indian Constitution deals with the composition of the Legislative Council.
  • Maximum strength: Cannot be more than 1/3rd of the total strength of the Vidhan Sabha.
  • Minimum strength: 40 members.
  • Members are elected and nominated through various sources (explained below).

Election and Nomination

Members of the Vidhan Parishad are elected through different constituencies and nomination:

  • 1/3 elected by members of local bodies (e.g., Panchayats, Municipalities)
  • 1/12 elected by graduates of three years' standing
  • 1/12 elected by teachers of three years’ standing (not lower than secondary level)
  • 1/3 elected by members of the Vidhan Sabha
  • 1/6 nominated by the Governor (people having special knowledge in fields like art, science, literature, social service)

Term of Vidhan Parishad

  • Permanent body — not subject to dissolution.
  • One-third of its members retire every 2 years.
  • Each member has a tenure of 6 years.

Powers and Functions

  • Legislative: Can introduce and discuss bills, except Money Bills.
  • Delaying Power: Can delay ordinary bills by 4 months.
  • Financial Power: No role in passing Money Bills (can only discuss).
  • Limited Control Over Executive: Cannot remove the government by a no-confidence motion.
  • Advisory Role: Provides expertise, especially on complex subjects.

Presiding Officer

  • Chairman: Elected from the members of the Council
  • Deputy Chairman: Assists the Chairman
  • Performs similar roles as the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha

States with Vidhan Parishad

  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Bihar
  • Maharashtra
  • Karnataka
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Telangana

Difference Between Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad

Feature Vidhan Sabha Vidhan Parishad
Membership60–500 membersMinimum 40
ElectionDirectIndirect and Nomination
Tenure5 years6 years (1/3 retire every 2 years)
Money BillIntroduced hereCannot introduce or amend
PowerMore powerfulAdvisory, less powerful
DissolutionYesNo

Previous Year Questions

  • Q1 (HSSC 2021): Vidhan Parishad is present in how many Indian states?
  • 6 states
  • Q2 (SSC CGL 2020): Who nominates members to Vidhan Parishad?
  • Governor
  • Q3 (RRB ALP 2019): What is the tenure of a Vidhan Parishad member?
  • 6 years
  • Q4 (UPSC 2018): Which article of the Constitution provides for Vidhan Parishad?
  • Article 169 & 171
  • Q5 (SSC CHSL 2022): Can Vidhan Parishad be abolished?
  • Yes, by Parliament on request of State Legislative Assembly
  • Q6 (HPSC 2020): Which state recently proposed re-establishing Vidhan Parishad?
  • West Bengal (proposal not yet passed)
  • Q7 (SSC JE 2019): What is the minimum age for Vidhan Parishad membership?
  • 30 years
  • Q8 (UPSC 2021): Who is the presiding officer of Vidhan Parishad?
  • Chairman
  • Q9 (RRB NTPC 2018): Vidhan Parishad is also known as?
  • Legislative Council
  • Q10 (SSC GD 2019): What percentage of Vidhan Parishad is nominated?
  • 1/6
  • Q11 (SSC MTS 2022): Can Vidhan Parishad pass a no-confidence motion?
  • No
  • Q12 (RRB Group D 2021): Does every state have Vidhan Parishad?
  • No
  • Q13 (SSC CPO 2020): Is Vidhan Parishad a permanent body?
  • Yes
  • Q14 (UPSC 2019): Can a Money Bill be introduced in Vidhan Parishad?
  • No
  • Q15 (HSSC 2022): Is Vidhan Parishad stronger than Vidhan Sabha?
  • No, Vidhan Sabha has more powers

Conclusion

Though Vidhan Parishad has limited powers, it plays a significant advisory and revisory role in the legislative process of certain states. Its expertise contributes to more thoughtful legislation.

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