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Historical Background of the Legislative Assembly | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal) PDF Download

State Governments in India govern the various states of the country. A state legislature serves as the legislative branch in a federal system and can be either unicameral or bicameral. The executive branch of West Bengal consists of the Governor and a council of Ministers led by the Chief Minister.

Historical Background of the Legislative Assembly 


The Bengal Legislative Assembly, established on January 18, 1862, under the Indian Councils Act of 1861, was the largest legislature in British India. Initially comprising a 12-member Legislative Council for Bengal Presidency, its strength was later increased through various Indian Councils Acts of 1892, 1909, and 1919. The Bengal Provincial Legislature, consisting of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly, was created under the Government of India Act 1935. After the partition in 1947, West Bengal adopted a bicameral Legislature, but the Legislative Council was later abolished through the West Bengal Legislative Council (Abolition) Act, 1969.

Legislative Assembly of West Bengal


The current West Bengal Legislature is unicameral, with the Legislative Assembly located in the BBD Bagh area of Kolkata. Members of the Legislative Assembly, totaling 295, are directly elected by the people, including 294 members from single-seat constituencies and one nominated representative from the Anglo-Indian community. The term of the Legislative Assembly is five years.

Historical Background of the Legislative Assembly | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal)

Assembly Elections in Bengal


Elections for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly are conducted in accordance with the Constitution of India. While the assembly can unilaterally legislate on matters related to local body elections, any changes require approval from the Parliament of India. The list of Assembly Elections held in West Bengal is available.
List of Assembly Election  
Historical Background of the Legislative Assembly | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal)

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly


The Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly presides over the proceedings, moderates debates, makes rulings on procedure, announces vote results, and has the authority to control unruly members. Sir Azizul Haque was the first speaker, and as of November 16, 2018, Shri Biman Banerjee has served as the Speaker since May 30, 2011.

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1. What is the historical background of the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal?
Ans. The Legislative Assembly in West Bengal has a rich historical background. It was first established in 1937 under the Government of India Act, 1935. The assembly played a crucial role in the pre-independence era, representing the people's voice and aspirations for self-governance. It continued to function even after India's independence, and its powers and functions were further defined under the Indian Constitution.
2. How was the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal formed under the Government of India Act, 1935?
Ans. The Legislative Assembly in West Bengal was formed under the provision of the Government of India Act, 1935. The act introduced a system of bicameral legislature, consisting of two houses - the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The members of the Legislative Assembly were elected through direct elections, while some seats were reserved for nominated members. This assembly represented the people's interests and had the authority to make laws and govern the province.
3. What role did the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal play during the pre-independence era?
Ans. The Legislative Assembly in West Bengal played a significant role during the pre-independence era. It served as a platform for political leaders to voice the concerns and demands of the people. The assembly discussed and debated various issues, including the struggle for independence, social reforms, economic development, and cultural preservation. It provided a platform for shaping policies, initiating reforms, and influencing the overall governance of the province.
4. How did the powers and functions of the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal change after India's independence?
Ans. After India's independence, the powers and functions of the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal were further defined under the Indian Constitution. The assembly continued to represent the people's interests and played a crucial role in the democratic governance of the state. It had the authority to make laws, discuss and deliberate on important matters, and scrutinize the government's actions. The assembly also had the power to elect the Chief Minister and hold the government accountable for its actions.
5. What is the significance of the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal in the present context?
Ans. The Legislative Assembly in West Bengal holds immense significance in the present context. It serves as the highest legislative body in the state, representing the people and ensuring their participation in the democratic process. The assembly plays a crucial role in making laws, discussing policies, and overseeing the government's actions. It provides a platform for the elected representatives to address the concerns of the people, shape the state's development agenda, and safeguard the interests of the citizens.
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