All questions of Special Provisions for Some States for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Article 371-I is associated with Goa

Explanation:
Article 371-I of the Indian Constitution grants special status and privileges to the state of Goa. It was inserted into the Constitution in 1987 following the Opinion Poll held in Goa in 1967, which decided that Goa should continue to be a separate state.

Key Points:

1. Background: Goa, a former Portuguese colony, was incorporated into the Indian Union in 1961. However, there was a significant section of the population that wanted Goa to be an independent entity rather than being merged with any other state.

2. Opinion Poll: To decide the future of Goa, an Opinion Poll was conducted in 1967. The poll offered two options: merging Goa with Maharashtra or retaining it as a separate Union Territory. The majority of the voters favored the second option, and Goa continued to be a separate entity.

3. Inclusion of Article 371-I: To address the concerns and aspirations of the people of Goa, Article 371-I was added to the Constitution of India. It provides for certain special provisions and safeguards for Goa.

4. Special Provisions: Article 371-I grants the following special provisions for Goa:

- The Governor of Goa shall have special responsibilities regarding law and order in the state.
- The Governor shall have the power to direct the manner in which the state government is to be carried out.
- The Governor can also exercise his/her discretion in matters related to the use of the official language of Goa, grant of mining leases, and ownership of houses and other properties.

5. Protection of Culture and Identity: Article 371-I ensures the preservation of the distinct culture, heritage, and identity of the people of Goa. It safeguards the rights and interests of the local population.

6. Empowerment of Local Institutions: The provision also empowers the local institutions in Goa, such as the Village Panchayats and the Municipalities, by giving them greater autonomy in their functioning.

7. Goa Daman and Diu Reorganization Act: In 1987, Goa was granted statehood through the Goa Daman and Diu Reorganization Act, which incorporated Article 371-I into the Constitution.

Therefore, Article 371-I of the Indian Constitution grants special status and privileges to Goa, ensuring the protection of its unique culture, heritage, and identity, and empowering local institutions in the state.

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir will be the common High Court for the Union Territories of Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Further, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have an Advocate General to provide legal advice to the government of the Union Territory.

Under Article 371 of the Indian Constitution, the President is authorized to provide certain special provisions for the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Let's understand each statement in detail:

1. The establishment of separate development boards for (i) Vidarbha, Marathwada, and the rest of Maharashtra, (ii) Saurashtra, Kutch, and the rest of Gujarat:
This statement is correct. Article 371 empowers the President to establish separate development boards for specific regions within a state. In the case of Maharashtra, the President can establish separate boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada, and the rest of Maharashtra. Similarly, in Gujarat, separate boards can be established for Saurashtra, Kutch, and the rest of Gujarat. These boards aim to promote and accelerate the development of these specific regions.

2. Making a provision that a report on the working of these boards would be placed every 5 years before the State Legislative Assembly:
This statement is incorrect. Article 371 does not specifically mention the provision for a report on the working of these boards to be placed before the State Legislative Assembly every 5 years. The provision might exist in some other legislation or rules but not under Article 371 itself.

In conclusion, only statement 1 is correct, and statement 2 is incorrect. The President is authorized to establish separate development boards for specific regions within Maharashtra and Gujarat under Article 371, but there is no specific provision for a report on the working of these boards to be placed before the State Legislative Assembly every 5 years.

The Bill reorganizes the state of Jammu and Kashmir into The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and The Union Territory of Ladakh without a legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will comprise Kargil and Leh districts, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will comprise the remaining territories of the existing state of Jammu and Kashmir.

India is the fifth largest producer of wind energy with the sector alone constituting 68 per cent of the total renewable energy produced in the country, India's ambassador to the UAE T P Seetharam has said.

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have a Council of Ministers of not more than ten per cent of the total number of members in the Assembly. The Council will aide and advise the Lieutenant Governor on matters that the Assembly has powers to make laws. The Chief Minister will communicate all decisions of the Council to the Lieutenant Governor.

Under Article 371-J, the President is empowered to provide that the Governor of Karnataka would have special responsibility for

Article 371-C of the Indian Constitution contains several provisions related to the administration of the Hill Areas in the state of Manipur. The correct answer is option 'D', which means that all of the following provisions are contained in Article 371-C:

1. Special responsibility of the Governor: The provision states that the President of India can direct that the Governor of Manipur shall have a special responsibility for the Hill Areas. This means that the Governor is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the proper functioning of the Hill Areas committee and the administration of the Hill Areas.

2. Annual report to the President: According to Article 371-C, the Governor is required to submit an annual report to the President of India regarding the administration of the Hill Areas. This report provides information on the progress, development, and challenges faced in the Hill Areas of Manipur.

3. Central Government's power to give directions: The provision also empowers the Central Government to give directions to the State Government of Manipur regarding the administration of the Hill Areas. This means that the Central Government can issue instructions and guidelines to the State Government to ensure the proper governance and development of the Hill Areas.

These provisions in Article 371-C are aimed at safeguarding the interests of the Hill Areas and ensuring their proper administration and development. The special responsibility of the Governor and the requirement of an annual report to the President provide a mechanism for accountability and oversight. Additionally, the power of the Central Government to give directions ensures that the Hill Areas receive necessary support and guidance from the national level for their development.

Overall, Article 371-C plays a crucial role in addressing the unique needs and challenges of the Hill Areas in Manipur and ensuring their inclusive growth within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

Current Status of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh:
- The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir was formed on 31st October 2019, following the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.
- As a result of this revocation, Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status and was bifurcated into two separate union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Statement 1: The flag and constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), cease to exist
- The revocation of Article 370 led to the abrogation of the special provisions that were granted to Jammu and Kashmir.
- As a result, the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, which was adopted in 1956, ceased to exist.
- The state flag of Jammu and Kashmir, which was used alongside the national flag of India, was also removed.
- Additionally, the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), which was the criminal code applicable in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, was replaced by the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Statement 2: Indian Penal Code (IPC) is extended to both UTs
- With the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate union territories, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was extended to both territories.
- The IPC is a comprehensive criminal code that defines various offenses and provides for their punishments.
- It is applicable throughout India, including all states and union territories.
- Therefore, after the reorganization, the IPC became the primary criminal code governing the two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Conclusion:
- Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- The constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, flag of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Ranbir Penal Code no longer exist.
- The Indian Penal Code has been extended to both the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Explanation:

Statement 1: The first statement is incorrect. Article 371-F of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for the state of Sikkim. However, it does not specify the minimum number of members in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. The number of members in the Assembly is determined by the State Legislature itself. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

Statement 2: The second statement is correct. As per Article 371-F, Sikkim is allotted one seat in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India. This means that Sikkim forms one parliamentary constituency. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.

Conclusion: Only statement 2 is correct, so the correct answer is option 'B' - 2 Only.