Why in news?
The alteration of the status quo regarding the Upper House, Andhra Pradesh is the latest State to favor, in an Assembly resolution for its Legislative Council’s abolition.
Why was it abolished ?
The allegations were raised that Council is working with a political agenda to block Legislative assembly’s proposal.
While the need for a bicameral legislature in the States has often been questioned, few would support the idea that the potential difficulty in getting the Council’s approval should be a reason for its abolition
Role of parliament in abolishing council
A.P.’s proposal will bear fruit only if Parliament passes a law to that effect, based on the State’s request
Way forward
- Centre should evolve a national policy on having an Upper House in the States.
- The larger question is whether the Councils are serving their intended purpose to take a considered view on matters without being influenced by electoral considerations.
- If the Upper Houses are used only for accommodating leaders who have lost general elections, there may not be much meaning in their existence
