In what aspects is the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) different from the Rajya Sabha, considering its role at the state level?
In short
Unlike the permanent Rajya Sabha, the Legislative Council is optional under Article 169, has a mixed membership elected by local bodies, graduates and teachers plus nominees, and has no federal role. It can only delay ordinary bills for four months, cannot reject money bills and has no joint sitting.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 264 words
Constitutional Status and Permanence
Rajya Sabha is a permanent body under Article 80 with staggered six-year terms; Legislative Council is optional under Article 169, requiring state assembly resolution and Parliament approval, making it vulnerable to abolition and less stable.
Mode of Election and Membership
Rajya Sabha members are elected by State Legislative Assemblies via proportional representation, ensuring federal coherence; Legislative Council’s heterogeneous membership includes local authorities, graduates, teachers, and gubernatorial nominees, weakening cohesiveness and federal character.
Legislative Powers and Deadlock Resolution
Rajya Sabha has near-equal powers with Lok Sabha except on money bills, with joint sittings to resolve deadlocks; Legislative Council can only delay ordinary bills for four months, cannot amend or reject money bills, and lacks joint sittings, making Assembly supreme.
State-Level Debates and Accountability
States like Andhra Pradesh debate Council utility due to cost and limited influence; Council lacks executive accountability as ministers answer only to Assembly, limiting its oversight role unlike Rajya Sabha’s participation in national executive scrutiny.
Enhancing Effectiveness
Proposals include strengthening electoral base per Second Administrative Reforms Commission, clarifying legislative role with mechanisms for deadlock resolution, promoting expert nominations like Rajya Sabha, and state-specific evaluations for abolition or reform based on empirical evidence.
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This chapter in the exam
Parliament and State Legislatures13 questions
Asked in 8 of 8 sittings since 2008
Most tested: Comparative powers and status of the two Houses, especially Rajya Sabha vs Lok Sabha and Legislative Council vs Legislative Assembly.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2025 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.