Laxmikanth Summary: Special Provisions for Some States | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

Articles 371 to 371-J, embedded in Part XXI of the Constitution, harbor special provisions designed for twelve states: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Karnataka. The intent is to address the nuanced needs of these regions, whether pertaining to socio-economic development, tribal cultural preservation, internal security, or safeguarding local interests. The following elucidates the specific provisions for each state.

Provisions for Maharashtra and Gujarat

• Article 371 grants the President authority to assign specific responsibilities to the Governors of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• Responsibilities include establishing development boards for distinct regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, Saurashtra, and Kutch.
• The boards aim at equitable fund allocation, annual reporting mechanisms, and provisions for technical education and vocational training.
• Emphasis on the Governor's role in ensuring fair distribution of funds and facilitating employment opportunities in specified areas.

Provisions for Nagaland

• Article 371-A outlines unique provisions for Nagaland.
• Exempts certain Acts of Parliament unless overridden by the State Legislative Assembly.
• Grants the Governor special responsibility for law and order during internal disturbances.
• Establishment of a regional council for the Thensang district with specific operational provisions for a specified period.
• Governance of Thensang district by the Governor and discretionary powers in decision-making.

Provisions for Assam and Manipur

Assam (Article 371-B):

• Empowers the President to create a committee for Tribal Areas in Assam.
• The committee consists of members elected from the Tribal Areas and those specified by the President.

Manipur (Article 371-C):

• Grants the President authority to establish a committee for Manipur's Hill Areas.
• Directs the Governor to ensure proper committee functioning.
• Governor submits an annual report on Hill Areas administration.

Provisions for Andhra Pradesh or Telangana

Andhra Pradesh (Article 371-D):

• President empowered to ensure equitable opportunities in public employment and education.
• Authority to organize civil posts in local cadres and provide for direct recruitment.
• Specification of areas for preferential treatment in recruitment and admission to educational institutions.

Telangana (Article 371-E):

• Empowers Parliament to establish an Administrative Tribunal for dispute resolution in certain matters.
• The Tribunal operates outside the state High Court and can be abolished by the President if deemed unnecessary.
• Grants Parliament the power to establish a Central University in Andhra Pradesh.

Provisions for Sikkim

• Introduced by the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, Article 371-F governs Sikkim.
• Mandates a Legislative Assembly of not less than 30 members.
• Allocates one seat to Sikkim in the Lok Sabha, forming one parliamentary constituency.
• Grants the Governor special responsibility for peace and social-economic advancement, subject to the President's directions.

Provisions for Mizoram

• Article 371-G specifies special provisions for Mizoram.
• Exempts certain Acts of Parliament unless decided otherwise by the State Legislative Assembly.
• The Mizoram Legislative Assembly consists of not less than 40 members.

Provisions for Arunachal Pradesh and Goa

Arunachal Pradesh (Article 371-H):

• Governor granted special responsibility for law and order.
• Governor's discretionary powers cease when directed by the President.
• Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly consists of not less than 30 members.

Goa (Article 371-I):

• Specifies that the Goa Legislative Assembly consists of not less than 30 members.

Provisions for Karnataka  

• Article 371-J, introduced by the 98th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2012, provides special provisions for the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.
• Emphasizes the establishment of a development board for the region.
• Highlights fund allocation, reservations in education and employment, and the creation of local cadres.
• Aims to accelerate development, reduce disparities, and promote inclusive growth in the region.

Conclusion

In summary, Articles 371 to 371-J intricately tailor constitutional provisions for Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Karnataka. This constitutional mosaic addresses a spectrum of issues, from socio-economic development to cultural preservation and local governance. The emphasis on Governors' roles, specialized committees, and unique powers granted to the President ensures a nuanced approach. These provisions exemplify a commitment to equitable opportunities, regional autonomy, and inclusive growth. By recognizing and accommodating the distinctive needs of each state, the constitutional framework seeks to foster a balanced and harmonious development trajectory across these diverse regions of India.