Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council

The Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Parishad came into existence by the Government of India Act of 1935. The former and previous Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, was previously an elected member of it. The Legislative Council consisted of 60 members. The term of a member of the Council was six years with one-third of its members retiring after every three years. The Houses enjoyed the right of electing their Presiding Officers known as the President. The first meeting of the Legislative Council was held on 29 July 1937. Sir Sitaram and Begum Aijaz Rasul were elected the President and the Vice-President of the Legislative Council respectively. Sir Sitaram was in office until 9 March 1949. Chandra Bhal became the next Chairman on 10 March 1949.

After the independence and adoption of the constitution on 26 January 1950 Chandra Bhal was re-elected the Chairman of the Legislative Council and served until 5 May 1958. Sri Nizamuddin was elected the Deputy Chairman of the Council on 27 May 1952. He served until 1964.

When, under the provisions of the Government of India Act 1935, the Legislative Council came into existence in the United Provinces, it comprised 60 members. On 26 January 1950, the total membership of the Vidhan Parishad (legislative council) of Uttar Pradesh state was increased from 60 to 72. With the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act 1956, the strength of the Council was enhanced to 108. After the reorganisation of Uttar Pradesh state in November 2000 and the creation of Uttarakhand state, this strength has now reduced to 100.

The present composition of the Vidhan Parishad is as follows:

• 10 members are nominated by the governor of Uttar Pradesh.
• 38 members are elected by the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly members.
• 36 members are elected by the Local bodies.
• 8 members are elected by the teachers.
• 8 members are elected by the graduates.

Members are now elected or nominated for six years and one-third of them retire on the expiration of every second year, so a member continues as such for six years. The vacant seats are filled up by fresh elections and nominations (by Governor) at the beginning of every third year. The retiring members are also eligible for re-election and re-nomination any number of times. The Presiding Officers of Vidhan Parishad are Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Ramesh Yadav is the current Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Councils.

See here the List of members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council

The following are the constituencies of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Parishad:[1]

• Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly

• Government of Uttar Pradesh official website