Difference Between Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad

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Difference Between Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad

Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad are two types of legislative bodies found in some Indian states with a bicameral system. They play different roles in the legislative process. Here is the key Difference Between Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad:

1. Definition and Role

Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)
  • The lower house of the state legislature in India.
  • Members of the Vidhan Sabha are called Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
  • Responsible for making laws and policies, approving the state budget, and representing the people of their constituencies.
Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)
  • The upper house of the state legislature in India, present only in some states.
  • Members of the Vidhan Parishad are called Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs).
  • Functions as a revising chamber, reviewing and suggesting amendments to legislation passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
2. Membership and Election

Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)
    • Members (MLAs) are directly elected by the people through general elections.
    • The number of MLAs varies by state based on population and other factors.
    • Each MLA represents a specific geographic constituency.
    Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)
      • Members (MLCs) are elected through various methods:
      • One-third elected by MLAs.
      • One-third elected by graduates from specific regions.
      • One-third elected by teachers from specific regions.
      • One-sixth nominated by the Governor for their expertise in fields such as literature, science, art, social service, or cooperative movement.
      • The Vidhan Parishad is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved, though one-third of its members retire every two years.
      3. Tenure

      Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)
        • Members are elected for a term of five years.
        • The Vidhan Sabha can be dissolved before the end of its term, leading to new elections.
        Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)
          • Members are elected for a term of six years.
          • The Vidhan Parishad is a permanent body with a rotating membership; one-third of the members retire every two years.
          4. Powers and Functions

          Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)
            • Has the primary responsibility for passing laws and budgets.
            • MLAs debate and vote on legislative proposals, including money bills and policies.
            • MLAs can introduce bills, including money bills.
            • Can remove the state government through a vote of no confidence.
            Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)
              • Primarily reviews and suggests amendments to bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
              • Cannot introduce money bills but can suggest changes to other types of legislation.
              • Acts as a revising chamber to provide a broader perspective and expert advice.
              • Has limited power in financial matters.
              5. Financial Powers

              Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)
                • Has significant financial powers, including the ability to introduce and pass money bills.
                • Money bills must originate in the Vidhan Sabha and are subject to its approval.
                Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)
                  • Cannot introduce money bills.
                  • Can delay money bills for a maximum of 14 days, after which the bill is deemed passed by the Vidhan Parishad even without its consent.
                  6. Legislative Process

                  Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)
                    • Plays a central role in the legislative process, initiating and debating most bills.
                    • Bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha are sent to the Vidhan Parishad (if the state has one) for review.
                    Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)
                      • Reviews and suggests amendments to bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
                      • Can delay non-money bills for a maximum of three months in the first instance and one month in the second instance.
                      7. States with Bicameral Legislature

                      Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)
                        • Present in all Indian states as the primary legislative body.
                        Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)
                          • Present in only a few Indian states, including Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
                          8. Key Points

                          Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)
                            • Directly elected body, responsible for law-making, approving budgets, and representing the people.
                            • Can introduce and pass money bills.
                            • Term of five years, subject to dissolution.
                            Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)
                              • Indirectly elected body, functioning as a revising chamber.
                              • Reviews and suggests amendments to legislation passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
                              • Cannot introduce money bills and has limited financial powers.
                              • Permanent body with a rotating membership.