Difference between Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Sabha

India is a democratic country which has the legislature, divided at the Centre and State levels. The Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Sabha are two important legislative bodies serving at different levels of governance. While both perform legislative functions, their composition, powers, and functioning vary significantly. Both of them share a common goal of serving the nation, but are assigned with varied responsibilities.

Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Parliament of India. It represents the states and union territories at the national level. Members are elected indirectly and serve overlapping terms, making it a permanent body that is not subject to dissolution.

Key Features of Rajya Sabha

• Also known as the Council of States.
• Maximum strength is 250 members (currently 245).
• Members are elected by State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation.
• The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman.
• Serves as a permanent body with one-third members retiring every 2 years.

Vidhan Sabha

The Vidhan Sabha, or Legislative Assembly, is the Lower House of the State Legislature in India. It plays a crucial role in law-making at the state level and holds the executive accountable within the state.

Key Features of Vidhan Sabha

• It exists in all states and certain union territories (like Delhi, Puducherry).
• Members are directly elected by the public.
• Maximum strength varies by state; for example, Uttar Pradesh has 403 members.
• The Governor of the state summons and prorogues the sessions.
• Subject to dissolution every 5 years or earlier in special cases

Difference between Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Sabha

The President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha (Upper House) forms the Parliament of India. The State Legislature includes the lower house which is known as the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha). Difference between Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Sabha is discussed in the table below: 

Difference Between Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Sabha Key Points

• Rajya Sabha ensures representation of states at the Centre, while Vidhan Sabha works on issues specific to a state.
• Rajya Sabha can recommend laws, but cannot initiate or amend money bills, this is the sole prerogative of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha.
• Members of Rajya Sabha are elected by MLAs, while Vidhan Sabha members are elected directly by the citizens.
• Vidhan Sabha plays a crucial role in forming and controlling the state government, including passing the state budget.

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