How Many Seats Are There in Bihar Legislative Council?

The Bihar Legislative Council (BLC) is one of India’s oldest legislative institutions along side with the State’s Legislative Assembly. Bihar is among the few states who have the legislative council for the functioning of the state. It is called as the Bicameral legislature system of the state and this system play vital role to shaping the state policies like social, welfare schemes. As the Bihar State Assembly has 243 seats Do you know how many seats the Bihar Legislative Council had?

Total Seats In Bihar Legislative Council

The Bihar Legislative Council has a total of 75 seats and it is divided into the,

• 63 elected members by voting
• 12 nominated members

What is a State Legislative Council?

The State Legislative Council is the part of the bicameral legislature. In this there are two houses,

• Lower House: Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
• Upper House: Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)

In India not all the states have this type of the system.

Constitutional Provisions Related Legislative Council

The Constitution of India has provides the clear framework related to the legislative council.

Key Articles

Article 169: Parliament can create or abolish a Legislative Council if the State Assembly passes a resolution with a special majority. However, Parliament is not bound to accept it.

Article 171: It defines the composition of the Council

Article 172: Under this it mentions the tenure for the members to serve for six years and one-third are retiring every two years.

Composition of State Legislative Council

Under Article 171 of the Constitution of India the size of the Council is,

It can be maximum of the one-third of the legislative assembly strength and the minimum 40 members.

The Council elects,

• Chairman
• Deputy Chairman

Manner of Election pf The Council Members

For the Council members are indirectly elected or they are nominated,

• 1/3rd by local bodies like municipalities, district boards
• 1/3rd  by MLAs of the Legislative Assembly Members
• 1/12th by graduates
• 1/12th  by teachers
• 1/6th nominated by the Governor who are experts in arts, science, social service and etc.

This unique structure ensures diverse representation in governance.

Eligibility and Tenure of Members

To become the part of the member of the Legislative Council a person has must meet some conditions under Article 173 and the Representation of People Act, 1951.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a citizen of India
• Minimum age: 30 years
• Must be a registered voter in the state
• For nomination, must be a resident of the state

Tenure

• 6 years term
• 1/3 members retire every 2 years