Vidhan Parishad

Vidhan Parishad is the upper house of the legislature in a few Indian states; it is also called the Legislative Council.

• It works alongside the Vidhan Sabha, the elected lower house. A state with both houses has a bicameral legislature.
• Unlike Vidhan Sabha members, most members of the Vidhan Parishad are elected indirectly by groups such as local government representatives, teachers, and graduates. Some are nominated by the Governor for their contribution to fields such as literature, science, art, social service, or cooperative work.
• The Vidhan Parishad is a permanent house: it is never dissolved all at once. Members serve for six years, and one-third retire every two years.
• It can discuss bills, suggest changes, and review the work of the Vidhan Sabha. However, it has less power than the Vidhan Sabha, especially over money bills and decisions about the state government.
• For example, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have Vidhan Parishads, while most states have only a Vidhan Sabha.

The council adds a second round of discussion to state law-making, but the directly elected Vidhan Sabha remains the more powerful house.