West Bengal Government

Like all other states of India, the head of the state of West Bengal is the Governor, appointed by the President of India. His or her post is largely ceremonial.

West Bengal's legislature is unicameral i.e. it has one house - the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, which consists of 295 members including one nominated from the Anglo-Indian community.

The members of the legislative assembly are elected by a popular vote conducted by the Election Commission of India.

The Chief Minister is the head of government and is vested with most of the executive powers.

There is a council of ministers responsible for various departments. The Chief Secretary along with other secretaries of respective departments looks after the smooth functioning of administration in the state.

The judiciary, a branch of the government of West Bengal consists of the Calcutta High Court including several lower courts at district level.