State Council

The term "State Council" in the Indian context most accurately refers to the State Legislative Council, or Vidhan Parishad, which is an institution serving as the upper house in states with a bicameral legislature. This institution's establishment and abolition are governed by Article 169 of the Constitution of India. The mechanism for its creation requires the Parliament of India to pass a law after the concerned state's Legislative Assembly passes a resolution to that effect by a special majority. The Council's size is constitutionally limited, as its membership cannot exceed one-third of the total membership of the State Legislative Assembly (the lower house), though it must have a minimum of 40 members. Members of the Vidhan Parishad serve a six-year term, with one-third of the members retiring every two years, an arrangement that mirrors the structure of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) at the Union level. The members are elected through a complex system involving the Legislative Assembly, local bodies, graduates, and teachers, with about one-sixth nominated by the Governor. As of January 9, 2024, only six states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, have a State Legislative Council. The existence of the State Legislative Council remains politically controversial, with proposals for its re-establishment or abolition frequently requiring confirmation by the Parliament. Historically, the term "Council of State" was the name for the upper house of the legislature for British India, created by the Government of India Act 1919 and dissolved on August 14, 1947.