Union & Its Territory
Concepts (14)
The President appoints the head of a UT. This person is an agent of the President, not a constitutional head like a Governor. In UTs with a legislature (like Delhi), they are called 'Lieutenant Governor'.
The President appoints the head of a UT. This person is an agent of the President, not a constitutional head like a Governor. In UTs with a legislature (like Delhi), they are called 'Lieutenant Governor'. In UTs without one (like Lakshadweep), they are called 'Administrator'. Example: The LG of Delhi has more political interaction than the Administrator of Chandigarh.
India's states were reorganised primarily on linguistic lines post-independence, notably by the **States Reorganisation Act, 1956**, based on the **Fazl Ali Commission's** recommendations, creating 14
Definition
Reorganisation of States in India refers to the process of redrawing the boundaries of existing states or creating new states and union territories. This process has been a continuous feature of India's post-independence political landscape, driven primarily by linguistic, cultural, ethnic, and administrative considerations.
Key Facts
- Constitutional Provisions: The power to reorganise states lies with the Parliament of India.
- Article 2: Empowers Parliament to admit into the Union, or establish, new States on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit. This applies to states that were not part of the Indian Union previously.
- Article 3: Empowers Parliament to form a new state by separation of territory from any state or by uniting two or more states or parts of states or by uniting any territory to a part of any state; increase or diminish the area of any state; alter the boundaries or name of any state. This applies to existing states within the Indian Union.
- Early Demands: Post-independence, there was significant pressure for states to be reorganised on a linguistic basis. The death of Potti Sriramulu in 1952 after a 56-day hunger strike for a separate Telugu-speaking state led to the creation of Andhra State in 1953, the first state formed on a linguistic basis.
- States Reorganisation Commission (SRC):
- Appointed in December 1953 under the chairmanship of Fazl Ali, with K.M. Panikkar and H.N. Kunzru as members.
- Submitted its report in September 1955.
- Broadly accepted language as the basis for reorganisation but rejected the 'one language-one state' theory, emphasizing national unity.
- Identified four major factors for reorganisation: preservation of unity and security, linguistic and cultural homogeneity, financial/economic/administrative considerations, and welfare planning.
- States Reorganisation Act, 1956 & 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956:
- Implemented the SRC's recommendations with minor modifications.
- Abolished the distinction between Part A and Part B states and abolished Part C states.
- Resulted in the creation of 14 states and 6 union territories on November 1, 1956.
- Key formations included: Kerala (merging Travancore-Cochin with Malabar district), Andhra Pradesh (merging Telugu-speaking Hyderabad areas with Andhra State), Madhya Pradesh, Bombay, Mysore, Punjab, Rajasthan, etc.
- Zonal Councils: Established by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, these are statutory (not constitutional) bodies. They divide the country into five zones (Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, Southern) to promote cooperation and coordination between states, UTs, and the Centre. The Union Home Minister is the common chairman.
Mechanism
Parliament can reorganise states under Article 3 through a simple majority. The procedure involves:
- A bill for state reorganisation can be introduced in either House of Parliament only on the recommendation of the President.
- Before recommending the bill, the President must refer it to the state legislature concerned for expressing its views within a specified period.
- Parliament is not bound by the views of the state legislature. It can pass the bill even if the state legislature does not respond or expresses disagreement.
- The bill does not require a constitutional amendment under Article 368; it can be passed by a simple majority, as stated in Article 4.
Exam Angle
Focus on the chronology of commissions (Dhar, JVP, Fazl Ali), the provisions of Article 2 and Article 3, the specific outcomes of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 (number of states/UTs, key mergers), and the nature and purpose of Zonal Councils.
Analysis
The reorganisation of states in India is a testament to the dynamic nature of its federal structure and the continuous negotiation between national unity and regional aspirations. While the initial reorganisation in 1956 primarily addressed linguistic demands, subsequent reorganisations have been driven by a complex interplay of factors including ethnic identity, administrative viability, economic development, and political expediency.
The decision to broadly accept linguistic reorganisation, despite initial reservations (Dhar Commission, JVP Committee), proved to be a pragmatic approach to manage diverse regional identities within a unified nation. However, it also fueled sub-nationalism, leading to further demands for smaller states based on distinct cultural or ethnic identities, such as Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and later Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand.
Article 3 grants Parliament immense power over the territorial integrity of states, making India an 'indestructible Union of destructible states'. This centralizing tendency ensures the Union's supremacy in maintaining national unity but also raises questions about true federalism when states' boundaries can be altered without their consent. The role of Zonal Councils is crucial in this context, as they provide a platform for inter-state cooperation and dialogue, fostering a spirit of cooperative federalism amidst potential regional rivalries.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Article 2 | Article 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Admission or establishment of new states that are not part of the Indian Union. | Formation of new states, alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states within the Indian Union. |
| Example | Sikkim's admission into the Indian Union (though later full statehood under Article 3). | Creation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh; formation of Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh. |
| Territory | Deals with territories outside India joining the Union. | Deals with territories within India being reorganised. |
| State Consent | Not applicable. | State legislature's views are sought, but Parliament is not bound by them. |
| Impact | Expands the territory of the Indian Union. | Reorganises the internal political map of India. |
Case Study: The Formation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
- Andhra State (1953): The demand for a separate Telugu-speaking state intensified after independence. Following the death of Potti Sriramulu in 1952, the Government of India conceded the demand, leading to the formation of Andhra State in October 1953, with Kurnool as its capital. This marked the first state created on a linguistic basis, setting a precedent for future reorganisations.
- Andhra Pradesh (1956): Under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, the Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State (Telangana region) were merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh, with Hyderabad as its capital.
- Telangana (2014): Decades later, a strong movement for a separate Telangana state emerged, citing historical, cultural, and economic disparities within Andhra Pradesh. After prolonged agitation, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, was passed by Parliament, leading to the creation of Telangana as the 29th state of India on June 2, 2014. Hyderabad was designated as the joint capital for both states for a period not exceeding ten years.
This case illustrates the complex and often contentious nature of state reorganisation, driven by evolving regional identities and demands for equitable development.
Mains Hooks
- Federalism: Discuss how state reorganisation impacts the balance of power between the Centre and states. The Parliament's power under Article 3 highlights the 'quasi-federal' nature of India.
- National Unity vs. Regional Aspirations: Analyze the tension between maintaining a strong, unified nation and accommodating diverse linguistic, ethnic, and cultural identities through state formation.
- Administrative Efficiency and Development: Evaluate whether smaller states genuinely lead to better governance, administrative efficiency, and economic development, or if they sometimes create new problems (e.g., resource distribution, inter-state disputes).
- Role of Commissions: Discuss the significance of bodies like the Fazl Ali Commission in shaping India's political map and providing a framework for reorganisation.
- Impact on Governance: Examine the challenges and opportunities presented by the creation of new states, including resource allocation, infrastructure development, and political stability.
Recent Developments
- Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019: This significant act bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two new Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without a legislature). This marked a unique instance of a state being downgraded to Union Territories, altering the number of states and UTs in India. This move was justified by the government on grounds of security, governance, and development, but it also sparked debates on federal principles and constitutional procedures.
- The continuous evolution of India's political map underscores the dynamic nature of its federal system, adapting to changing socio-political demands while striving to maintain national cohesion.
India's Constitution provides special provisions (Articles 371-371J) for certain states and distinct administrative frameworks (Fifth and Sixth Schedules) for Scheduled and Tribal Areas, alongside dir
Definition
Special provisions in the Indian Constitution refer to unique administrative and legislative arrangements for certain states and areas, designed to address their distinct socio-economic, cultural, and historical contexts. These provisions aim to protect indigenous populations, promote equitable development, and maintain regional stability within the federal structure.
Key Facts
- Union & Its Territory: Article 1 defines India as a 'Union of States'. The 'Territory of India' is broader, encompassing states, Union Territories (UTs), and acquired territories. States are federal units, while UTs are directly administered by the Central government.
- Article 370 (Repealed): Until August 5, 2019, Article 370 granted special autonomous status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed J&K to have its own Constitution and restricted the applicability of Indian parliamentary laws. Its abrogation led to the reorganization of J&K into the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
- Article 371 to 371-J (Special Provisions for States): These articles provide special provisions for eleven states, primarily to protect local cultures, ensure equitable development, and address specific regional needs:
- Article 371: Maharashtra and Gujarat (development boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada, Saurashtra, Kutch).
- Article 371A: Nagaland (protection of Naga religious/social practices, customary law, land ownership).
- Article 371B: Assam (committee of MLAs from Tribal Areas).
- Article 371C: Manipur (committee of MLAs from Hill Areas).
- Article 371D & 371E: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (equitable opportunities in public employment and education, establishment of Central University).
- Article 371F: Sikkim (protection of rights of different sections of the population).
- Article 371G: Mizoram (protection of Mizo religious/social practices, customary law, land ownership).
- Article 371H: Arunachal Pradesh (special responsibility of Governor for law and order).
- Article 371I: Goa (Legislative Assembly of not less than 30 members).
- Article 371J: Karnataka (development board for Hyderabad-Karnataka region, now Kalyana-Karnataka).
- Fifth Schedule (Article 244(1)): Deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any state except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It empowers the Governor to extend or restrict the application of Central or State laws to these areas and requires the establishment of a Tribes Advisory Council.
- Sixth Schedule (Article 244(2) and 275(1)): Deals with the administration of Tribal Areas in the four northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (AMTM). It provides for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs), which have legislative, executive, and judicial powers over specific subjects like land, forest, water, customs, and inheritance.
- Union Territories Administration: Under Article 239, UTs are directly administered by the President through an Administrator (Lieutenant Governor or Chief Commissioner). Some UTs (Puducherry, Delhi, J&K) have legislative assemblies and councils of ministers, but Parliament retains ultimate legislative power.
Mechanism
- Special State Provisions: Primarily implemented through Presidential Orders, parliamentary laws, and specific roles assigned to Governors, ensuring the unique needs of these states are met within the constitutional framework.
- Scheduled Areas (Fifth Schedule): The Governor plays a crucial role, submitting annual reports to the President, and having the power to modify or prohibit the application of laws. The Tribes Advisory Council advises on tribal welfare.
- Tribal Areas (Sixth Schedule): ADCs and ARCs are semi-autonomous bodies with powers to make laws on specified subjects, collect land revenue, impose taxes, and regulate trade. Their acts require the Governor's assent.
Exam Angle
Understanding these provisions is crucial for UPSC as they highlight the adaptive nature of Indian federalism, the state's commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, and the challenges of balancing national integration with regional autonomy. Questions often focus on the differences between the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, the states covered by Article 371 series, and recent developments like the Ladakh Sixth Schedule demand.
Analysis
The special provisions for states and scheduled/tribal areas are a testament to the Indian Constitution's flexibility and its recognition of India's immense diversity. These provisions are not merely administrative conveniences but are rooted in historical injustices, socio-economic disparities, and the need to preserve distinct cultural identities. They represent a unique form of 'asymmetric federalism' where different units of the federation enjoy varying degrees of autonomy and powers.
The rationale behind these provisions includes:
- Protection of Indigenous Rights: Safeguarding the land, culture, and identity of tribal communities, preventing their exploitation and assimilation.
- Addressing Regional Disparities: Facilitating targeted development in historically backward or neglected regions.
- Maintaining Law and Order: In areas prone to insurgency or social unrest, special powers to the Governor or local bodies help maintain stability.
- Preserving Cultural Diversity: Allowing specific regions to govern themselves according to their customary laws and practices.
However, these provisions also present challenges, such as potential for misuse of powers, demands for similar status from other regions, and sometimes, a perceived hindrance to national integration or uniform development.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Fifth Schedule | Sixth Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Scheduled Areas & Tribes in states other than AMTM | Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram |
| Administrative Unit | Scheduled Areas (declared by President) | Autonomous Districts & Autonomous Regions |
| Governing Body | Governor, Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) | Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs) |
| Powers | Governor can modify/prohibit Central/State laws; TAC advises | ADCs/ARCs have legislative, executive, judicial powers on specific subjects |
| Legislative Scope | Parliament/State Legislature makes laws; Governor has veto/modification power | ADCs/ARCs make laws on specific subjects (land, forest, customs, etc.) |
| Financial Powers | Limited; primarily state grants | Power to levy taxes, collect land revenue, royalties from mineral extraction |
| Judicial Powers | State High Courts and Supreme Court | ADCs/ARCs can constitute village councils/courts for certain cases |
Case Study: Ladakh's Sixth Schedule Demand
Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory in 2019, there has been a persistent demand for its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. The primary reasons for this demand are:
- Protection of Land and Culture: Ladakh is predominantly tribal (over 90% tribal population). Residents fear that without special constitutional safeguards, their unique Buddhist and Shia Muslim cultures, land, and environment could be vulnerable to external exploitation and demographic change.
- Political Empowerment: Inclusion would grant greater autonomy to local bodies (ADCs), allowing them to make laws on subjects like land, forest, water, and cultural practices, ensuring self-governance.
- Economic Development: Locals believe Sixth Schedule status would enable better control over resources and development initiatives, tailored to their specific needs.
Arguments against inclusion often cite Ladakh's strategic importance and the potential for creating another layer of administration in a sensitive border region. The government has formed a high-powered committee to address these concerns, indicating the complexity of balancing local aspirations with national interests.
Mains Hooks
- Federalism: Discuss asymmetric federalism and how special provisions strengthen or challenge the federal structure.
- Tribal Rights and Governance: Analyze the effectiveness of the Fifth and Sixth Schedules in protecting tribal rights and promoting self-governance. Evaluate the need for reforms.
- Regional Disparities and Development: Examine how special provisions contribute to balanced regional development and address socio-economic inequalities.
- National Integration vs. Regional Autonomy: Debate the delicate balance between fostering national unity and respecting distinct regional identities and demands for greater autonomy.
- Constitutional Amendments and Reorganization: Discuss the impact of major constitutional changes (like Article 370 abrogation) on the political map and governance of regions.
Recent Developments
- Abrogation of Article 370 (2019): This landmark decision fundamentally altered the constitutional relationship of J&K with the Union, converting the state into two UTs. It sparked debates on federalism, constitutional morality, and the rights of states.
- J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019: This Act formally created the UTs of J&K and Ladakh, bringing them under direct central administration, albeit with a provision for a legislative assembly in J&K.
- Ladakh Sixth Schedule Demand: The ongoing demand highlights the evolving nature of special provisions and the continuous negotiation between central authority and regional aspirations. The government's response will set a precedent for similar demands in other regions.
- Delimitation in J&K: The delimitation exercise for the new J&K Legislative Assembly has been a significant step towards restoring democratic processes in the UT.
India's territory, as per Article 1, comprises states, Union Territories, and acquired territories. It's an 'Union of States' where states lack secession rights, making the Union indestructible.
Definition
Article 1 of the Indian Constitution defines India, that is Bharat, as a ‘Union of States’. This provision outlines both the name of the country and its type of polity. The 'Territory of India' is a broader concept than the 'Union of India'. The former encompasses all three categories of Indian territory, while the latter refers specifically to the states that are members of the federal system.
Key Facts
- Article 1 classifies the territory of India into three categories:
- Territories of the states.
- Union territories (UTs).
- Territories that may be acquired by the Government of India at any time.
- The names of states and Union Territories, along with their territorial extent, are detailed in the First Schedule of the Constitution.
- Currently, India comprises 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar explained that the phrase ‘Union of States’ was preferred over ‘Federation of States’ for two primary reasons:
- The Indian Federation is not a result of an agreement among the states, unlike the American Federation.
- States in India have no right to secede from the federation, emphasizing its indestructible nature.
- Article 2 empowers Parliament to 'admit into the Union of India, or establish, new states'. This refers to admitting existing states or establishing entirely new ones.
- Article 3 grants Parliament the power to form new states, alter areas, boundaries, or names of existing states.
- Article 4 declares that laws made under Articles 2 and 3 (for admission/establishment of new states or alteration of existing states) are not to be considered amendments of the Constitution under Article 368. This means such laws can be passed by a simple majority and through the ordinary legislative process.
Mechanism
The Indian Constitution grants significant flexibility to the Parliament regarding the territorial integrity of its constituent units. While the Union itself is indestructible, the states are not. Parliament can unilaterally change the boundaries, areas, or names of states without their consent, a feature that distinguishes Indian federalism from that of the USA.
Exam Angle
Understanding the distinction between 'Territory of India' and 'Union of India' is crucial. The concept of India as an ‘indestructible union of destructible states’ is a fundamental aspect of its federal structure, often contrasted with the ‘indestructible union of indestructible states’ model of the USA. The powers granted to Parliament under Articles 2, 3, and 4 highlight the Centre's dominance in territorial matters, which is vital for national unity and administrative convenience.
Analysis
The concept of the 'Territory of India' under Article 1 reflects India's sovereign nature and its capacity to expand its geographical limits. As a sovereign state, India can acquire foreign territories through various internationally recognized modes, including:
- Cession: Through treaty, purchase, gift, lease, or plebiscite (e.g., Puducherry from France, Goa, Daman & Diu from Portugal, Sikkim by plebiscite and subsequent merger).
- Occupation: Acquiring territory hitherto unoccupied by a recognized ruler.
- Conquest or Subjugation: Although less common in modern international law, historically a valid mode.
This power to acquire territory has been exercised multiple times since the Constitution's commencement, integrating diverse regions into the Indian Union. The direct administration of Union Territories and acquired territories by the Central government further underscores the unitary bias within India's federal framework.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Territory of India | Union of India |
|---|---|---|
| Components | Includes States, Union Territories, and any territories acquired in the future. | Includes only the States that are members of the federal system. |
| Scope | A wider and more comprehensive expression. | A narrower expression, referring specifically to the federal units. |
| Administration | States (share power with Centre), UTs & Acquired Territories (directly administered by Centre). | States (share legislative and executive powers with the Centre). |
| Nature | Encompasses the entire geographical and political entity of India. | Represents the federal component where power distribution occurs. |
Case Study: The Berubari Union Case (1960)
One of the most significant legal interpretations concerning the cession of Indian territory arose from the Berubari Union Case of 1960. The Central Government's decision to cede a part of the territory known as Berubari Union (located in West Bengal) to Pakistan, as per the Indo-Pakistan Agreement of 1958, sparked widespread political agitation and controversy. This led to a Presidential reference to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court, in its advisory opinion, held that the power of Parliament to diminish the area of a state under Article 3 does not include the power to cede Indian territory to a foreign country. The Court reasoned that ceding territory amounts to an alienation of Indian territory, which is a fundamental act of sovereignty not covered by the ordinary legislative process under Article 3. Therefore, the Supreme Court ruled that a constitutional amendment under Article 368 would be necessary to cede any Indian territory to a foreign state. Consequently, the 9th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1960, was enacted to facilitate the transfer of the Berubari Union territory to Pakistan.
Mains Hooks
- Flexibility of the Indian Constitution: The provisions for territorial changes (Articles 2, 3, 4) demonstrate the Constitution's adaptability to administrative needs and geopolitical realities, allowing for the creation of new states or alteration of existing ones without rigid amendment procedures. This contrasts sharply with more rigid federal systems.
- Centralized Control over Territorial Integrity: The Union Government's extensive powers over state boundaries and the 'indestructible union of destructible states' doctrine underline the strong unitary bias in India's federal structure, crucial for maintaining national unity and integrity in a diverse country.
- Role of Judiciary: The Berubari Union Case highlights the judiciary's role in interpreting the scope of parliamentary powers, ensuring that fundamental changes like territorial cession adhere to higher constitutional standards (Article 368) rather than simple legislative processes.
Recent Developments
- Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019: This landmark legislation, effective October 31, 2019, reorganized the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into two new Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This marked a significant change in the territorial map of India and the status of a major region.
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Act, 2019: Effective January 26, 2020, this Act merged the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu into a single Union Territory named Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. This reduced the total number of Union Territories in India from nine to eight.
This article says that no Act of Parliament regarding Naga customs shall apply to Nagaland unless the State Assembly decides so. This includes their religious practices and traditional justice system. It also protects their land and resources.
This article says that no Act of Parliament regarding Naga customs shall apply to Nagaland unless the State Assembly decides so. This includes their religious practices and traditional justice system. It also protects their land and resources. It was created to end the long-standing conflict and bring peace to the region.
The Constitution allows Parliament to establish a separate High Court for a UT or put it under the jurisdiction of a nearby state's High Court. Currently, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir have their own High Courts. Others share with states.
The Constitution allows Parliament to establish a separate High Court for a UT or put it under the jurisdiction of a nearby state's High Court. Currently, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir have their own High Courts. Others share with states. Example: The UT of Lakshadweep falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court.
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act is a law that extends panchayat rules to tribal areas. It gives village assemblies, called Gram Sabhas, significant powers. They can manage local markets, water bodies, and minor forest products.
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act is a law that extends panchayat rules to tribal areas. It gives village assemblies, called Gram Sabhas, significant powers. They can manage local markets, water bodies, and minor forest products. It ensures that development happens with the consent of the tribal people. For example, a mining project in a tribal village requires the Gram Sabha's recommendation before starting.
The 'Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act' brings village-level self-rule to Fifth Schedule areas. It empowers the 'Gram Sabha' (the assembly of all adult villagers).
The 'Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act' brings village-level self-rule to Fifth Schedule areas. It empowers the 'Gram Sabha' (the assembly of all adult villagers). The Gram Sabha must approve all development projects and has the power to manage local water bodies and minor minerals. For example, a company cannot start a small quarry without the Gram Sabha's permission.
This provides high autonomy to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These areas are called 'Autonomous Districts'. They are governed by District Councils which have legislative and judicial powers.
This provides high autonomy to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These areas are called 'Autonomous Districts'. They are governed by District Councils which have legislative and judicial powers. For example, a District Council in Mizoram can create its own rules for how land is inherited within a tribe, independent of the general state law.
In states, Parliament usually only makes laws on Union List items. However, for UTs, Parliament is supreme. It can make laws on the Union List, Concurrent List, and even the State List.
In states, Parliament usually only makes laws on Union List items. However, for UTs, Parliament is supreme. It can make laws on the Union List, Concurrent List, and even the State List. This ensures the Central government has full control over these sensitive or small areas. Example: Parliament can make a law about 'Police' for Delhi, even though 'Police' is usually a state subject.
This is a special committee formed in states having Scheduled Areas. It has 20 members. At least 15 of these members (3/4th) must be tribal MLAs from that state. Their job is to suggest ways to improve the lives of Scheduled Tribes.
This is a special committee formed in states having Scheduled Areas. It has 20 members. At least 15 of these members (3/4th) must be tribal MLAs from that state. Their job is to suggest ways to improve the lives of Scheduled Tribes. For example, if the state government wants to change land ownership laws in tribal zones, the TAC provides its expert opinion first.
This concept means that different states in a federation have different powers. In India, most states follow the same rules. However, states like Nagaland or Mizoram have extra protections. These protections cover their land, culture, and traditions.
This concept means that different states in a federation have different powers. In India, most states follow the same rules. However, states like Nagaland or Mizoram have extra protections. These protections cover their land, culture, and traditions. This ensures that minority groups feel safe within the large country. It is a tool for national integration.
Under Article 371, the President can create separate development boards for regions like Vidarbha in Maharashtra. These boards ensure that a fair share of money is spent on these specific areas.
Under Article 371, the President can create separate development boards for regions like Vidarbha in Maharashtra. These boards ensure that a fair share of money is spent on these specific areas. The Governor of the state has a special responsibility to report on these boards every year. This helps in reducing regional poverty.
This schedule applies to areas declared as 'Scheduled Areas' by the President. The administration is shared between the State and the Union. The Governor has the power to modify laws to protect tribal interests.
This schedule applies to areas declared as 'Scheduled Areas' by the President. The administration is shared between the State and the Union. The Governor has the power to modify laws to protect tribal interests. A Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) is mandatory in states with Scheduled Tribes. For example, if a mining law is passed, the Governor can stop it from applying to a tribal village to prevent displacement.
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