UPSC Mains 2021 GS2 Q14 — State Legislature
Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- ExplainReview
- Scope keywords
- constitutional provisionsLegislative Councilsestablishedworkingcurrent statussuitable illustrations
- Implicit sub-parts
- Procedure of creation and abolition under Article 169 and its distinction from a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
- Critical evaluation of the 'working'—is it a 'revising chamber' or a 'dilatory chamber'?
- Discussion on the 'current status' including recent state resolutions (e.g., Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal) and the lack of a uniform national policy.
- Functional utility versus the burden on the exchequer.
- Common pitfalls
- Failing to mention Article 171 which dictates the composition/membership of the Council.
- Focusing only on the 'creation' and ignoring the 'working' (performance) aspect of the question.
- Providing a generic list of powers without comparing them to the Legislative Assembly to show their secondary status.
- Omitting current examples like the recent developments in Odisha or the abolition-re-creation cycles in states like Andhra Pradesh.
- Dimensions required
- Constitutional/LegalPolitical/FederalFinancial/EconomicComparative (with Rajya Sabha)Procedural
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 3-4 marks for the constitutional mechanism (Articles 169, 171). Spend the bulk (8 marks) on 'Reviewing the working' using specific examples like delay of bills or nomination of experts. Reserve 3-4 marks for 'Current Status' mentioning specific states and the need for a national policy.
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