Role of MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) and Deputy Commissioner (DC/District Collector):
Aspect | MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) | Deputy Commissioner (District Collector) |
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Position | Elected representative of the people in a State Legislative Assembly | Appointed administrative head of a district (IAS officer or equivalent) |
Authority Source | People’s mandate through elections | State government appointment (executive branch) |
Main Role | Law-making, representing public issues, policy advocacy | Implementing laws, maintaining law & order, administration of district |
Accountability | Accountable to the voters and Legislative Assembly | Accountable to the State Government |
Focus Area | Political: Raising issues, debating policies, development allocation | Administrative: Policy execution, revenue collection, district governance |
Functions | - Make laws in state subjects |
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Raise constituency issues
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Recommend development projects
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Supervise govt. schemes at constituency level | - Maintain law & order
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Implement government schemes & policies
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Revenue collection & land records
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Disaster management & elections conduct |
| Interaction with Public | Direct contact with voters; addresses grievances, demands, development issues | Meets public for administrative purposes like revenue, certificates, complaints, public services |
| Tenure | 5 years (unless assembly dissolved earlier) | No fixed tenure; depends on government postings |
| Powers | Political influence, allocation of constituency development funds, participation in legislative debates | Executive powers: Magistrate powers (law & order), authority over police, revenue, district administration |
| Limitations | Cannot directly implement laws or control administration | Cannot make laws or policies, only implements them |
👉 In short:
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MLA = Law & Policy Maker (Political Role)
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DC = Law & Policy Executor (Administrative Role)
Role of a Deputy Commissioner (DC)
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District Administration Head – Chief administrative officer of the district.
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Law & Order – Supervises police, magistracy, and ensures peace in the district.
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Revenue Collection – Maintains land records, collects land revenue, handles property registration.
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Policy Implementation – Executes government schemes, policies, and welfare programs.
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Development Work – Monitors roads, health, education, rural development, and other projects.
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Election Officer – Acts as District Election Officer during elections, ensuring free and fair polls.
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Disaster Management – Leads relief, rescue, and rehabilitation during floods, earthquakes, etc.
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Public Grievances – Hears complaints from the public and provides solutions through district offices.
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Coordination Role – Coordinates between state govt., local bodies, and central agencies.
👉 In short:
A Deputy Commissioner is the chief executive of a district, responsible for law & order, revenue, development, disaster management, and smooth functioning of administration.