Question

What do you mean by an MLA ? Is it necessary to become a member of any political party to become a MLA ?

Answer 1

Hint - The word MLA means a member of the Legislative Assembly. He/she is elected through a general election and represents a particular constituency. It is not necessary to be a member of any one political party to become an MLA. He can also contest as an independent candidate. In some cases, he is sponsored by a political party. But one thing is necessary that he / she should be a citizen of India and fulfill the required qualifications for the post.

Complete answer: A legislator (member of the Legislative Assembly) is elected by the public to act as a representative in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, in his constituency or electoral division.
The legislator's role includes understanding the spirit of existing laws, planning and studying new laws, discussing, and then supporting or opposing the enactment of new laws.
As a representative of his or her constituency, a member can raise voices on behalf of the constituent, represent a point of view or difference, and assist in solving the problem.
An MLA is also a member of the elected party caucus. In this ceremony, he may be involved in the planning and orchestrating strategy of the House, supporting the caucus and its decisions, and developing expertise in the given subject areas. Depending on the political fate of his party, the legislator may act as a cabinet minister or opposition critic.
Members of the Legislative Assembly divide their time between their constituencies and their work in the Legislative Assembly. The duties of legislators will vary depending on whether he is a member of the cabinet, a member of the opposition or a backbencher of the government.
Opposition members spend much of their time researching and asking questions in their constituencies and critics' areas in the House. Both opposition members and government backbenchers present petitions, motions and private member bills to the House.
 MLAs who are ministers of the Crown (members of the Cabinet) spend most of their time overseeing the operations of their allocated departments. Cabinet ministers should be prepared to answer opposition questions, push government bills and deal with estimates and annual reports of their departments.

 The MLAs also serve as members of various committees. Membership of the committee is allocated to political parties in the same proportion as their representation in the House.
Those facing problems within their department, or having problems dealing with government departments, agencies, etc., often refer their legislator for assistance. Most of the time of an MLA is spent in answering the personal problems, questions and concerns of their constituents and making them aware of the prevailing opinion of the constituency.
Legislators are entitled to send them by personal contact, by phone, in writing, through meetings, and by two annual domestic mailings. Each MLA can open an office in his constituency.

Note: Contact with legislators can be done through the Legislative Building Office of the MLA, through the Party Caucus Office or through the MLA Electoral Office.