Vidhan Parishad
The
Vidhan Parishad also known as
Legislative Council forms a part of the
state legislatures of
India. In 5 of India's 28
states (
Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar,
Karnataka,
Maharashtra and
Jammu and Kashmir), 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 beause 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.
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 not be on the voter's list of the state from where he is contesting the elections.
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 and 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.
