Difference Between Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad

Understanding the Indian Legislative System: Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad

India’s legislative system is a robust framework designed to represent the interests of its citizens at various levels. At the state level, the legislature can be unicameral or bicameral, consisting of either one house or two houses, respectively. The two houses are the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) and the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council). Understanding the differences between these two bodies is essential for comprehending the functioning of state governments in India.

Vidhan Sabha: The Legislative Assembly

Overview: The Vidhan Sabha is the lower house of the state legislature in India. It is similar to the Lok Sabha at the national level and is the primary legislative body in states with a unicameral system.

Composition:

• Members: The Vidhan Sabha consists of members who are directly elected by the people of the state through general elections.
• Tenure: Members serve for a term of five years unless the assembly is dissolved earlier.
• Strength: The number of members varies from state to state, depending on the population. The maximum strength is determined by the Constitution and can go up to 500 members, while the minimum is 60.

Powers and Functions:

1. Legislative Powers: The Vidhan Sabha has the authority to make laws on state subjects listed in the State List and Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
2. Financial Powers: It plays a crucial role in financial matters. Money bills can only be introduced in the Vidhan Sabha, and it controls the state budget.
3. Executive Powers: The Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers are responsible to the Vidhan Sabha. It can pass a vote of no confidence to remove the government.
4. Electoral Functions: The Vidhan Sabha participates in the election of the President of India and elects members to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Parliament).

Sessions and Procedures:

• Sessions: The Vidhan Sabha holds three sessions annually: Budget Session, Monsoon Session, and Winter Session.
• Procedures: It follows a structured legislative process that includes introduction, discussion, and voting on bills.

Vidhan Parishad: The Legislative Council

Overview: The Vidhan Parishad is the upper house of the state legislature in states with a bicameral system. It is akin to the Rajya Sabha at the national level and serves as a revisory body.

Composition:

• Members: Members of the Vidhan Parishad are not directly elected. They are elected through various electoral colleges, including members of the Vidhan Sabha, graduates, teachers, and local authority members.
• Tenure: Members serve for a term of six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.
• Strength: The total number of members cannot exceed one-third of the total strength of the Vidhan Sabha, and the minimum number of members is 40.

Powers and Functions:

1. Legislative Powers: The Vidhan Parishad can discuss and suggest amendments to bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha. However, it cannot reject money bills.
2. Financial Powers: It has limited financial powers. While it can discuss the budget and other financial bills, it cannot amend or reject them.
3. Advisory Role: It acts as an advisory body, providing suggestions and modifications to legislation passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
4. Deliberative Functions: It serves as a forum for more detailed and prolonged debate on various issues and policies.

Sessions and Procedures:

• Sessions: The Vidhan Parishad meets during the same sessions as the Vidhan Sabha.
• Procedures: It follows procedures similar to those of the Vidhan Sabha but with a focus on review and deliberation rather than direct legislation.

Key Differences Between Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad

1. Composition and Election:
   • Vidhan Sabha: Members are directly elected by the public.
   • Vidhan Parishad: Members are indirectly elected through various constituencies.
2. Tenure:
   • Vidhan Sabha: Members serve for five years.
   • Vidhan Parishad: Members serve for six years, with staggered terms.
3. Legislative Powers:
   • Vidhan Sabha: Primary legislative authority with the power to pass bills.
   • Vidhan Parishad: Revisory role, with the power to suggest amendments but not reject bills outright.
4. Financial Powers:
   • Vidhan Sabha: Controls state finances, introduces money bills.
   • Vidhan Parishad: Limited financial powers, cannot amend or reject money bills.
5. Role in Government Formation:
   • Vidhan Sabha: Responsible for the formation and removal of the state government.
   • Vidhan Parishad: No role in government formation.
6. Sessions:
   • Vidhan Sabha: Initiates and debates legislation, budget.
   • Vidhan Parishad: Reviews and suggests modifications to legislation.

States with Bicameral Legislatures

As of now, only a few states in India have a bicameral legislature, which includes both a Vidhan Sabha and a Vidhan Parishad. These states are:

• Bihar
• Karnataka
• Maharashtra
• Telangana
• Uttar Pradesh
• West Bengal (Proposed to be reintroduced)

Conclusion

The Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad play distinct yet complementary roles in the legislative process at the state level in India. While the Vidhan Sabha is the primary legislative body with significant powers over law-making and state finances, the Vidhan Parishad serves as a revisory and advisory body that ensures thorough deliberation and scrutiny of legislative proposals. Understanding these differences is essential for appreciating the nuanced functioning of state governments and the overall legislative framework in India.