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Rajya Sabha vs. Vidhan Sabha

What's the Difference?

Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Sabha are both legislative bodies in India, but they serve different purposes. Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament of India, representing the states and union territories. It plays a crucial role in reviewing and amending legislation proposed by the lower house, Lok Sabha. On the other hand, Vidhan Sabha is the lower house of the state legislatures in India, responsible for making laws at the state level. While both bodies have the power to pass laws and hold the government accountable, Rajya Sabha focuses on national issues, while Vidhan Sabha deals with state-specific matters.

Comparison

AttributeRajya SabhaVidhan Sabha
MembersMembers are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative AssembliesMembers are elected by the people of the state through direct elections
RepresentationRepresents the states and union territories of IndiaRepresents the people of the state
TermMembers serve a term of 6 yearsMembers serve a term of 5 years
RoleActs as a revising chamber for legislationLegislative assembly of the state

Further Detail

Composition

Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. It consists of members appointed by the President of India, as well as members elected by the state legislatures. On the other hand, Vidhan Sabha, also known as the Legislative Assembly, is the lower house of the state legislature in India. Members of the Vidhan Sabha are elected by the people of the state.

Term Length

The term length for members of Rajya Sabha is six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years. This system ensures continuity in the functioning of the house. In contrast, members of Vidhan Sabha serve a term of five years, after which elections are held to elect new members. This shorter term length allows for more frequent turnover in the state legislature.

Representation

Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories of India, with each state being allocated a certain number of seats based on its population. This ensures that all states have a voice in the upper house of Parliament. Vidhan Sabha, on the other hand, represents the people of the state directly, with each constituency electing a member to represent them in the state legislature.

Role and Function

Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in the legislative process by reviewing and suggesting amendments to bills passed by the Lok Sabha. It also has the power to initiate legislation on certain subjects. Vidhan Sabha, on the other hand, is responsible for making laws on subjects within the state's jurisdiction. It also plays a key role in overseeing the functioning of the state government.

Powers

Rajya Sabha has certain special powers that differentiate it from the Lok Sabha. For example, it has the power to approve or reject money bills, which are bills related to taxation and government spending. It also has the power to impeach the President of India. Vidhan Sabha, on the other hand, has the power to impeach the Governor of the state and initiate legislation on subjects within the state list.

Importance

While Rajya Sabha is considered the house of elders and plays a crucial role in representing the interests of the states in the Indian Parliament, Vidhan Sabha is the primary legislative body at the state level. Both houses are essential for the functioning of the democratic system in India and play a vital role in the governance of the country.

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