Vidhan Parishad

The Vidhan Parishad also known as Legislative Council forms a part of the state legislatures of India. In 6 of India's 28 states (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra ,Jammu and Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh), the Legislative Council serves as the upper house of a bicameral legislature. It is a house indirectly elected by the people. It is also a permanent house because it cannot be dissolved. Also, only one-third of its members run for election every 2 years. Every MLC (Member of Legislative Council) serves for a term of 6 years.

Qualifications required to become an MLC

To become an MLC, a person must be a citizen of India, not under 30 years of age. He should be mentally sound but should not be bankrupt. His name should be on the voter's list of the state from where he is contesting the elections.

Membership of the Vidhan Parishad

The size of the Vidhan Parishad cannot be more than one-third the membership of the Vidhan Sabha, the Legislative Assembly (lower house) of that state. But its size cannot be less than 40 except in Jammu and Kashmir where there are 32 by an Act of Parliament. One-sixth of its membership is nominated by the Governor from among persons who have excelled in science, arts, social service and other activities. Another one-third is elected by the local government bodies and one-twelfth by teachers of secondary schools, colleges and universities.

- In April 2007, Andhra Pradesh have re-constituted the legislative council. The main opposition in the state, the Telugu Desam Party, has stated that it would abolish the council again if it comes to power in the state.- After the victory of the Akali Dal-BJP in Punjab, newly elected Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal stated that he would re-constitute the state's vidhan parishad.

Criticisms

Critics of the Vidhan Parishad put forward similar arguments as those against India's upper house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha. The main contention is that the upper houses, intended to let accomplished persons from a non-political background have a say in governance, have rather become a place to put unelectable politicians.

ee also

* Vidhan Sabha
* [http://www.indiaenews.com/politics/20070311/42609.htm Andhra Pradesh council polls on March 22]
* [http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/3171/56 Badal indicates to revive Vidhan Parishad in Punjab]