Who is responsible for what?
Different problems are handled by different leaders. Knowing who is in charge helps you ask the right person.
Member of Parliament (MP) — Lok Sabha
Your elected leader in India's Parliament, in New Delhi.
What they do
- Making and voting on national laws
- Speaking up for your area in Parliament
- Questioning the central government
- Local works through the MP development fund (MPLADS)
- National matters: defence, railways, highways, telecom, taxes
You can hold them accountable for
- Showing up and taking part in Parliament
- Using the MP development fund well for your area
- Raising your area's problems nationally
- Being reachable to people
Not their job — ask instead
- Local roads, water, electricity, garbage — your Municipality / Panchayat
- Police, state roads, government schools & hospitals — your MLA and state government
- Certificates, property records, local licences — your local office
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Your elected leader in the state assembly.
What they do
- Making state laws
- Police, state roads, water, farming, state schools & hospitals
- Representing your area in the state assembly
You can hold them accountable for
- Taking part in the assembly
- Local development under state funds
- Raising your area's problems with the state
Not their job — ask instead
- National matters — your MP
- Day-to-day local works — often the local body
Municipality / Panchayat
Your local council for everyday civic needs.
What they do
- Garbage, drainage, local roads, street lights
- Local water supply
- Birth/death certificates, local licences
You can hold them accountable for
- Everyday civic upkeep in your neighbourhood
Not their job — ask instead
- State matters — your MLA
- National matters — your MP
Member of Parliament (MP) — Rajya Sabha
A leader in Parliament's upper house, chosen by state legislatures.
What they do
- Reviewing national laws
- Representing states in Parliament
- Questioning the central government
You can hold them accountable for
- Taking part in Parliament
- Helping review national laws
Not their job — ask instead
- Local civic issues — your local body
- State matters — your MLA