Legislature

Legislature Legislative powers The State Legislature can pass laws on all subjects mentioned in the State List as per the constitution. It can also pass laws on concurrent subjects. The State made law in a concurrent subject will become inoperative when the centre also passes a law on the same subject. The passing of Bill into law follows the same procedure, as in the union parliament. Every bill passes through three readings. Then it becomes an Act with the Governor’s assent. Financial Powers The Legislature controls the finances of the State. The Lower House enjoys greater power than the Upper House in money matters. Money bills can be introduced only in the Lower House or the Assembly. No new tax can be levied without the sanction and permission of the Assembly. Controls over the Executive The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Assembly. The Ministers have to answer questions asked by the members of the Legislature. They can be removed from office if the Assembly passes a vote of “no confidence motion” against the Ministry. of the new Assembly. While the office of the speaker is vacant, the Deputy Speaker performs his functions. The Legislative Council (Upper House) The legislative Council is the upper House of the State Legislature. The Vidhan Parishads (Legislative Council) forms a part of the state legislatures of India. In Six of India’s states the Legislative Council serves as the indirectly-elected upper house of a bicameral legislature. It is also a permanent house because it cannot be dissolved. Every Member of Legislative Council (MLC) serves for a six-year term, with terms staggered so that the terms of one-third of members expire every two years. MLCs must be citizens of India not under years of age, mentally sound and his name should be in the voter’s list of the state from which he or she is contesting the election. The Tamil Nadu Legislative Council was abolished by Tamil Nadu Legislative Council (Abolition) Bill, . The Act came into force on the st November . Election to Legislative Council  / of the members are elected by local bodies.  / of the members are elected by Graduates of the universities in the State.  / of the members are elected by Graduate teachers.  / of the members are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly.  / is nominated by the Governor who is eminent in the field of literary excellence, art, social services or co-operation. The Chairman The Chairman is the Presiding Officer of the Upper house. The Members elect a Chairman and a deputy chairman from among themselves. In the absence of the chairman, the deputy chairman officiate the functions of the Legislative Council. State Government