Amendment Act for the Admission of Sikkim into the Union of India

Introduction:
Sikkim, a former independent kingdom located in the eastern Himalayas, was admitted into the Union of India through a constitutional amendment act. The correct answer to the question is option 'B', which refers to the 36th Amendment Act.

Explanation:
The admission of Sikkim into the Union of India was facilitated by the 36th Amendment Act. This act was passed by the Parliament of India in 1975 and received the President's assent on April 30, 1975.

Key Points:
The 36th Amendment Act for the admission of Sikkim into the Union of India can be summarized as follows:

1. Background:
- Sikkim was a small Himalayan kingdom that had maintained its independence until 1975.
- It had a unique political status as a protectorate of India, with India responsible for its defense, external affairs, and communication.
- However, in the early 1970s, political unrest and demands for greater democracy in Sikkim led to negotiations between the Indian government and the Chogyal (monarch) of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal.

2. Negotiations and Merger:
- The negotiations between the Indian government and the Chogyal resulted in the signing of a historic agreement known as the "Agreement of 8th May 1973."
- According to this agreement, a referendum was conducted in Sikkim to determine the wishes of its people regarding their future political status.
- In the referendum held in 1975, an overwhelming majority of the people voted in favor of merging Sikkim with India.

3. Constitutional Amendment:
- Following the referendum, the Indian government introduced the 36th Amendment Bill in Parliament.
- The bill sought to amend the Constitution of India to include Sikkim as a new state within the Union.
- The amendment act received widespread support in both houses of Parliament and was passed without much opposition.

4. Aftermath:
- With the enactment of the 36th Amendment Act, Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of the Indian Union on May 16, 1975.
- The Chogyal's role was abolished, and Sikkim became a democratic state with a Chief Minister and elected representatives.
- The merger of Sikkim with India further strengthened India's territorial integrity and demonstrated its commitment to democratic principles.

Conclusion:
The 36th Amendment Act played a crucial role in the admission of Sikkim into the Union of India. This constitutional amendment facilitated the peaceful merger of Sikkim with India and ensured its representation and participation in the democratic processes of the country.