Difference between Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Members of Legislative Council (MLC)

Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Members of Legislative Council (MLC) are both important representatives of the state legislature in India.

The main difference is that MLAs are directly elected by the people of their constituencies whereas MLCs are either appointed by the Governor or elected indirectly by the members of the Legislative Assembly.

Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Members of Legislative Council (MLC):

  • Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA): Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are elected officials who represent their constituencies in the state or provincial Legislative Assembly.
  • Members of Legislative Council (MLC): Members of Legislative Council (MLCs), on the other hand, are members of the upper house of the state or provincial legislature.

Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) vs Members of Legislative Council (MLC)

Now, let’s move to Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) vs Members of Legislative Council (MLC):

Major differences between Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Members of Legislative Council (MLC)

Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Members of Legislative Council (MLC)
To become an MLA, one must be at least 25 years old and a citizen of the state. To become an MLC, one must be at least 30 years old and fulfill specific eligibility criteria prescribed by the state government.
MLAs serve a term of five years. MLCs serve a term of six years.
MLAs have the power to introduce, debate and pass laws in the lower house of the legislature. MLCs play an advisory role in the passing of laws as a part of the upper house.
The number of MLAs is determined by the population of the state. The number of MLCs varies based on the state’s constitution and is fixed by the Governor or the Legislative Assembly.
MLAs represent the people of their respective constituencies in the lower house. MLCs represent various constituencies and interest groups in the upper house.

 

That’s it.

Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Members of Legislative Council (MLC)”.

Also see:

Final words

MLAs and MLCs are important members of the state or provincial legislature, their roles and responsibilities are distinct in many ways. While the MLAs are directly elected by people, the MLCs are appointed or indirectly elected which makes them more advisory. Understanding these differences are important to comprehend the functioning of the government at both lower and upper levels of the legislature.

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