← All questionsGS2 · 2021 · Polity ·Legislative Councils
QUESTION 14
GS2
15 marks

Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.

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11 min
250 words
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What the examiner wants

Explain the constitutional basis for state Legislative Councils, then review how they work today, with examples.

Explain + ReviewMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Provisions: Article 169 (creation/abolition by Parliament after Assembly resolution by special majority), Article 171 (composition, one-third elected by local bodies etc.)≈50 words
  2. 2Current status: six states (UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh)≈50 words
  3. 3Working: revising chamber, but can only delay bills; criticised as a home for defeated politicians and costly≈50 words
  4. 4Illustrations: Andhra Pradesh's 2020 abolition resolution and 2021 withdrawal; pending proposals (Rajasthan, Assam)≈50 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

ProvisionsPresent statesFunctions and limitsExamples of debateAssessment

Where marks usually go

  • Only provisions, no review of working
  • Outdated list of states with councils

Draw this

  • Table of states with councils and pending proposals

Value addition

  • FactJammu and Kashmir's Legislative Council was abolished by the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, leaving six states with councils.J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019
  • FactAndhra Pradesh's Assembly voted to abolish its Council in 2020 and withdrew the resolution in November 2021.Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly