Answer:

Part 1

The powers accorded to the legislative councils by the constitution makes it clear that they are supposed to be subordinate bodies vis-à-vis assemblies. Because:

♤ A money bill can only be introduced in assembly. The council can’t amend or reject the bill on being sent to it. It can only recommend changes and return the bill within 14 days. Even these, the assembly is not bound to accept.

♤ With respect to budget also, it can only discuss but can’t vote on demands for

grants

♤ The final powers of passing an ordinary bill also lie with assembly. The council can at the maximum delay the passage by four months – three in the first instance and one month in the second instance. In other words, council is not even a revising body like Rajya Sabha. It is only a dilatory chamber or advisory body.

♤ When an ordinary bill that originates in the council and is sent to assembly is rejected, it becomes a dead bill.

♤ The very existence of council depends on the will of assembly. Council can be established or abolished by the parliament on the recommendations of the assembly.

Part 2

♤ Apart from their insignificant powers, the composition and manner of selection is also not in tune with times. For instance 1/12th each are selected among the graduates and 1/6th are nominated by the governor. This enables unpopular, defeated, ambitious politicians or their favorites to become part of state legislature or even executive through it.