Education news
GK Guide: Understand the Differences, Roles, and Election of MP, MLA, and MLC
· Source: Amar Ujala
This educational guide explains the full forms, key responsibilities, and election processes of MPs, MLAs, and MLCs in India's political system. It also details the six Indian states that have a Legislative Council alongside a Legislative Assembly.
What is an MP (Member of Parliament)?
An MP stands for Member of Parliament (Sansad). Parliament is the primary institution responsible for making laws at the national level and overseeing the work of the central government. The Parliament of India comprises the President and two houses: the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the public through votes from distinct Lok Sabha constituencies across the country. Rajya Sabha members are generally elected by the elected MLAs of the respective states, along with constitutional provisions for special representation.
- Raises national issues in Parliament.
- Takes part in the law-making process.
- Questions the functioning of the central government.
- Represents issues concerning their constituency and the entire nation.
What is an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly)?
An MLA stands for Member of Legislative Assembly (Vidhayak). An MLA is a member of a state's Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), which acts at the state level similarly to how the Lok Sabha works at the national level. States are divided into separate assembly constituencies where voters cast ballots to elect their representative.
- Raises state-level issues in the Legislative Assembly.
- Participates in drafting and amending state laws.
- Questions the state government and reviews its functioning.
- Presents constituency-specific problems to relevant authorities and the government.
What is an MLC (Member of Legislative Council)?
An MLC stands for Member of Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad Sadasya). The Legislative Council is the upper house of a state legislature. MLCs are not chosen via a uniform direct public election across all seats. Under Article 171 of the Constitution of India, they are selected through multiple methods: elections by local bodies representatives, graduates' constituencies, teachers' constituencies, elections by MLAs, and nominations by the Governor based on specific fields and qualifications.
- Discusses state issues and suggests changes to legislative bills.
- Monitors government functioning through debate.
- Brings experience from fields such as education, literature, science, arts, cooperative movement, and social service to the house.
- Provides an additional opportunity to reconsider laws, though its powers are not equal to the Legislative Assembly, especially regarding money bills.
States with a Legislative Council
Out of 28 states in India, only 6 states have a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) alongside a Legislative Assembly. The remaining 22 states only have a Legislative Assembly and do not have MLC positions.
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
Questions
Which Indian states currently have MLCs?
Only six states have a Legislative Council and MLCs: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
How are MLCs selected under the Constitution?
Under Article 171, MLCs are chosen by local bodies, graduates, teachers, MLAs, and through nomination by the Governor.
What is the primary difference in jurisdiction between an MP and an MLA?
An MP focuses on national-level matters and parliamentary legislation, while an MLA works on state-level issues and state assembly laws.
Does the Legislative Council have the same powers as the Legislative Assembly?
No, the Legislative Council does not possess equal powers to the Legislative Assembly, particularly in the case of money bills where the Assembly holds more authority.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
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