The legislative structure of Telangana reflects the democratic aspirations of its people, being a bicameral legislature consisting of the Telangana Legislative Assembly and the Telangana Legislative Council. Both these houses work together to frame laws and policies for the socio-economic development of the state.
1. Telangana Legislative Assembly
The Telangana Legislative Assembly, the lower house of the legislature, serves as the primary law-making body.
Structure and Composition
Strength: The Assembly comprises 119 members, each representing a single constituency.
Term: Members are elected for a term of five years unless dissolved earlier.
Elections: Conducted based on universal adult suffrage, following the first-past-the-post system.
Reserved Seats: Constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) based on their population ratio.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Legislation: Introduces, debates, and passes bills on state subjects enumerated in the State List and Concurrent List of the Constitution.
Budget Approval: Examines, debates, and approves the state budget presented by the government.
Oversight: Holds the executive accountable through questions, motions, and discussions.
Policy Direction: Discusses socio-economic issues to guide the state's policy agenda.
Presiding Officers
Speaker: The Speaker, elected from among the members, presides over the proceedings of the House.
Deputy Speaker: Assists the Speaker in the smooth functioning of the Assembly.
Special Features
Assembly Sessions: The Governor summons the Assembly for three sessions: Budget, Monsoon, and Winter.
Legislative Debates: Debates focus on issues like education, health, irrigation, and industrial growth.
2. Telangana Legislative Council
The Legislative Council, the upper house of the state legislature, represents diverse interests, including professionals, educators, and local bodies.
Structure and Composition
Strength: The Telangana Legislative Council consists of 40 members.
Election Process: Members are elected or nominated through various constituencies:
Local Authorities Constituencies (LACs): Members elected by representatives of municipalities and other local bodies.
Graduates Constituencies: Elected by graduates.
Teachers Constituencies: Elected by educators.
Legislative Assembly Members: A proportion of members elected by MLAs.
Governor Nomination: Some members are nominated by the Governor for their expertise in fields like arts, literature, science, and social service.
Role and Responsibilities
Review and Revision: Acts as a revisory body for bills passed by the Legislative Assembly.
Representation of Diverse Interests: Ensures that various sectors of society have a voice in the legislative process.
Deliberative Role: Engages in detailed deliberations on policy issues.
Presiding Officers
Chairperson: Heads the Council and ensures orderly conduct.
Deputy Chairperson: Supports the Chairperson in administrative and procedural duties.
Special Features
Permanent Body: Unlike the Assembly, the Council is a permanent body with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
Legislative Debates: Focuses on revising and scrutinizing bills for technical and practical feasibility.
3. Functioning of the Bicameral Legislature
The bicameral system in Telangana ensures a balance between quick decision-making and thorough deliberation. Both houses have distinct roles but work cohesively to strengthen the legislative process.
Legislative Process
Bill Introduction: Bills can be introduced in either house except money bills, which originate in the Assembly.
Deliberation: The house where the bill is introduced debates and passes it by a majority.
Transmission: The bill is then sent to the other house for approval or suggestions.
Approval by Governor: After approval by both houses, the bill is sent to the Governor for assent.
Checks and Balances
The Council acts as a revisory body, preventing hasty decisions by the Assembly.
Joint sessions, though rare, resolve deadlocks between the two houses.
4. Significance of Bicameral Legislature in Telangana
Representation of Various Interests
The Assembly represents the general electorate, while the Council provides a platform for professionals and intellectuals.
Thorough Deliberation
The bicameral structure allows for in-depth discussion and scrutiny of legislative proposals.
Decentralization of Power
Ensures diverse and regional voices are considered in the policy-making process.
Accountability
The Assembly holds the executive accountable, while the Council enhances transparency by revising legislative measures.
5. Challenges in Telanganas Bicameral Legislature
Overlapping Roles
Some argue that the Council duplicates the Assemblys functions, leading to delays.
Resource Allocation
Maintaining two houses requires significant financial and administrative resources.
Limited Power of the Council
The Legislative Council's role is often advisory, with no authority to veto money bills.
6. Historical Perspective
Formation
Telanganas bicameral legislature was formed after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
The Legislative Council was reconstituted in 2014, ensuring continuity from its earlier setup in Andhra Pradesh.
Evolution
Over the years, the legislature has tackled crucial issues like irrigation projects, industrial growth, and welfare schemes.
7. Key Legislative Achievements
Mission Bhagiratha: Addressed water supply issues through comprehensive legislation.
Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Focused on farmer welfare.
TS-iPASS: Promoted industrial development through simplified clearance mechanisms.
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