Vidhan Sabha vs. Vidhan Parishad: Know the Difference
By Hifza Nasir & Dua Fatima || Published on July 16, 2024
Vidhan Sabha, or Legislative Assembly, is the lower house in bicameral states of India, while Vidhan Parishad, or Legislative Council, serves as the upper house, reflecting a two-tier legislature.
Key Differences
Vidhan Sabha, also known as the Legislative Assembly, is the primary legislative body in Indian states and union territories that have a unicameral legislature or the lower house in bicameral states. It is directly elected by the people and is responsible for making laws on state subjects. The tenure of a Vidhan Sabha is five years unless dissolved sooner. Vidhan Parishad, or the Legislative Council, functions as the upper house in those few states that have a bicameral legislature. Members of the Vidhan Parishad are not directly elected by the public but are elected through various quotas by the members of the Vidhan Sabha, local authority constituencies, graduates, teachers, and the Governor of the state.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
The Vidhan Sabha plays a crucial role in the state’s governance, holding the power to form the government. Its members, known as MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly), are elected from various constituencies within the state. In contrast, the Vidhan Parishad serves as a permanent house, with one-third of its members retiring every two years, thus providing a continuity in governance and legislation that is not affected by the dissolution of the Vidhan Sabha.
Dua Fatima
Jul 16, 2024
The size of the Vidhan Sabha is much larger than that of the Vidhan Parishad, reflecting the direct representation of the state's electorate. The Legislative Assembly debates and passes state budget, bills, and proposals, whereas the Legislative Council reviews, suggests amendments, and approves bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha, but it cannot hold a bill for more than three months.
Dua Fatima
Jul 16, 2024
Both houses work together to legislate and oversee governance, yet the Vidhan Sabha holds more power, particularly in financial matters and government formation. The existence of the Vidhan Parishad in some states is aimed at bringing experienced individuals into the legislature, who can contribute to a more deliberative process of law-making.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
Comparison Chart
Composition
Directly elected by the people
Elected by MLAs, local bodies, graduates, teachers, and nominated by the Governor
Dua Fatima
Jul 16, 2024
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Tenure
5 years, unless dissolved earlier
Permanent, with one-third members retiring every two years
Dua Fatima
Jul 16, 2024
Role
Primary legislative body or lower house in bicameral states
Secondary legislative body or upper house in bicameral states
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
Power
More significant powers in legislation and government formation
Limited powers, mainly advisory and revisory in legislation
Dua Fatima
Jul 16, 2024
Size
Larger, varies by state population
Smaller, cannot exceed one-third the size of the Vidhan Sabha
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
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Financial Authority
Exclusive authority to pass the budget and money bills
Can review but not initiate or amend money bills
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 16, 2024
Government Formation
Holds the power to form the government
No direct role in government formation
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
Representation
Represents the electorate directly
Represents specialized segments of society and includes nominated members
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 16, 2024
Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad Definitions
Vidhan Sabha
Forms the government with the majority party or coalition.
The party with the majority in the Karnataka Vidhan Sabha forms the state government.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 27, 2024
Vidhan Parishad
Represents specialized segments of society, including graduates and teachers.
The Karnataka Vidhan Parishad has seats reserved for educators and graduates.
Dua Fatima
Feb 27, 2024
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Vidhan Sabha
The legislative body directly elected by the public to make state laws.
The Delhi Vidhan Sabha is responsible for legislating on matters affecting the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Dua Fatima
Feb 27, 2024
Vidhan Parishad
A legislative body with members elected by various constituencies and nominated by the Governor.
The Bihar Vidhan Parishad includes members elected by local bodies.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 27, 2024
Vidhan Sabha
Comprises Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
An MLA from Mumbai represents his constituency in the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha.
Dua Fatima
Feb 27, 2024
Vidhan Parishad
Reviews and suggests amendments to legislation passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
The Telangana Vidhan Parishad debates and reviews bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 27, 2024
Vidhan Sabha
Holds elections every five years unless dissolved sooner.
The Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha elections took place in February 2022.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 27, 2024
Vidhan Parishad
Known as Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs).
An MLC in Uttar Pradesh may represent graduates or teachers.
Dua Fatima
Feb 27, 2024
Vidhan Sabha
Has the authority to pass budgets and money bills.
The Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha passes the state's annual budget.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 27, 2024
Vidhan Parishad
Serves as a permanent house with staggered elections every two years.
One-third of the Maharashtra Vidhan Parishad members retire every two years.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 27, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can the Vidhan Parishad reject bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha?
It can suggest amendments but cannot hold a bill for more than three months.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
What happens when the Vidhan Sabha is dissolved?
Elections are held to reconstitute the Vidhan Sabha, but the Vidhan Parishad remains unaffected.
Dua Fatima
Jul 16, 2024
How are members of the Vidhan Parishad selected?
Through elections by Vidhan Sabha members, local authority members, graduates, teachers, and nomination by the Governor.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
Why do some states have a Vidhan Parishad?
To ensure a bicameral legislative framework that includes a house of review to provide experienced oversight on legislation.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
How does the Vidhan Sabha influence government formation?
The party or coalition with a majority in the Vidhan Sabha forms the state government.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
How does the size of the Vidhan Sabha compare to the Vidhan Parishad?
The Vidhan Sabha is larger, reflecting the direct electoral representation of the state’s population.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
How are financial matters handled in the Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad?
The Vidhan Sabha has exclusive rights to initiate and approve financial legislation, while the Vidhan Parishad can review but not amend it.
Dua Fatima
Jul 16, 2024
What is the main function of the Vidhan Sabha?
To legislate on state matters, form the government, and approve budgets and bills.
Dua Fatima
Jul 16, 2024
Can a bill originate in the Vidhan Parishad?
Except for money bills, legislation can originate in either house, but financial bills must start in the Vidhan Sabha.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
What is the tenure of a Vidhan Sabha member?
Five years, unless the assembly is dissolved earlier.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 16, 2024
What is the role of nominated members in the Vidhan Parishad?
To incorporate experienced individuals from various fields into the legislative process, enriching debate and oversight.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 16, 2024
What role does the Vidhan Parishad play in legislation?
It acts as a revisory body, reviewing and suggesting amendments to bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 16, 2024
What is the significance of the Vidhan Parishad’s permanent nature?
It ensures continuity in governance and legislation, unaffected by the electoral cycle of the Vidhan Sabha.
Dua Fatima
Jul 16, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Hifza Nasir
Co-written by
Dua Fatima
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
