Author: The Hindu

(Practice Questions:

Q.1 – What is the process of the creation of bicameral legislature in the states which currently have an unicameral legislature? What are the advantages of having a bicameral legislature in states? – 150 words.

Q.2. – Recently, there has been an increased demand for the creation of a bicameral legislature in the states. What are the associated challenges? Do you think creation of bicameral legislature in states would be beneficial for the states? – 150 words)

Why in news recently: Recently, the state of Odisha has shown a keen interest in the creation of an upper council in its state legislature.

Only seven states in the country have a Legislative Council.

Process of creating an upper council – The process of creating an Upper House is lengthy. The State Assembly has to pass a resolution for the creation of the Council by a majority of its total membership. Thereafter, Parliament has to enact a law to create it.

Advantages of an Upper House: An Upper House provides a forum for academicians and intellectuals, who are arguably not suited for the rough and tumble of electoral politics. At least on paper, it provides a mechanism for a more sober and considered appraisal of legislation that a State may pass.

Challenges to the creation of an Upper Houses:

• The forum is likely to be used to accommodate party functionaries who fail to get elected.
• It is also an unnecessary drain on the exchequer.

Way ahead –

• A national policy on having an Upper House in State legislatures be framed by the Union government.
• A review of the provision in the law for Councils to have seats for graduates and teachers.

How is the bicameral legislature in states different from the bicameral legislature at the Centre – The Rajya Sabha’s case is different as it represents the States rather than electoral constituencies. It is also a restraining force against the dominance of elected majorities in legislative matters.

Read the full article at The Hindu.