One-sixth of the members of a state Legislative Council are nominated by the:

Under Article 171(3)(e), about one-sixth of the members of a state Legislative Council are nominated by the Governor from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, the co-operative movement and social service.

Composition of a Legislative Council:

• One-third are elected by members of local bodies, such as municipalities and district boards.
• One-third are elected by members of the Legislative Assembly from among persons who are not members of the Assembly.
• One-twelfth are elected by graduates of three years' standing residing in the state.
• One-twelfth are elected by teachers of three years' standing in institutions not lower than secondary schools.
• One-sixth are nominated by the Governor.

Purpose of nomination:

• It allows the Council to include eminent persons who may not be willing or able to contest elections.
• It brings expertise in fields such as literature, science, art, co-operation and social service into the legislature.

In practice:

• The Governor makes these nominations on the advice of the state Council of Ministers.
• Critics say that the power is sometimes used to nominate political supporters rather than experts.
• Courts have occasionally examined whether nominated persons actually fall within the specified fields.

Comparison with the Rajya Sabha:

• The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha from among persons with special knowledge in literature, science, art and social service.
• The Rajya Sabha list does not include the co-operative movement, while the state Council list does.

Nominated members' rights:

• Nominated members of a Legislative Council can take part in the proceedings and vote like elected members.
• They can be disqualified for defection if they join a political party more than six months after taking their seat.

Size of the Council:

The total strength cannot exceed one-third of the Assembly's membership and cannot be less than 40.

Why not the other options?

• ✗The President nominates members to the Rajya Sabha, not to state Councils.
• ✗The Chief Minister advises the Governor but does not nominate directly.
• ✗The Speaker has no role in nominations.