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| What is Article 371 of Indian constitution |
Article 371 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Special provisions with respect to certain States
🔷 Explanation of Article 371:
Article 371 and its sub-articles (371A to 371J) provide special provisions for various Indian states to protect their cultural, economic, political, or administrative interests. These were introduced to safeguard regional identities, address local demands, or ease integration of new states into the Indian Union.
🔸 Article 371 (main) deals specifically with Maharashtra and Gujarat.
🔹 Articles 371A to 371J cover other states individually (e.g. Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka).
✅ Key Provisions of Article 371 (Main Article):
| State | Provision |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | |
| – The President may create separate development boards for: |
-
Vidarbha
-
Marathwada
-
Rest of Maharashtra
– These boards ensure equitable resource distribution, job opportunities, and educational facilities in backward regions. |
| Gujarat |
– Similar provision for setting up a development board for the region of Saurashtra, Kutch, and the rest of Gujarat. |
🎯 Purpose of Article 371:
| Objective | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 🛡️ Regional balance | Address historical underdevelopment in regions like Vidarbha, Kutch, and Marathwada. |
| 🏛️ Decentralized development | Enable region-specific planning and budget allocation. |
| 🤝 Political assurance | Assure newly merged or reorganized states of fair treatment under the Union. |
📚 Extended Articles (371A to 371J) — Overview
| Article | State | Key Provision |
|---|---|---|
| 371A | Nagaland | Laws related to religion, Naga customary law, and land ownership require State Assembly’s consent. |
| 371B | Assam | Provision for legislative committee for tribal areas. |
| 371C | Manipur | Special committee for safeguarding Hill Areas. |
| 371D & 371E | Andhra Pradesh / Telangana | Equal opportunities in public employment and education; establishment of a Central University. |
| 371F | Sikkim | Integration provisions; protection of Sikkimese law, land, and rights. |
| 371G | Mizoram | Parliament cannot legislate on customs, religion, land without State’s consent. |
| 371H | Arunachal Pradesh | Governor has special responsibility for law and order. |
| 371I | Goa | Minor administrative provision (no legislative council). |
| 371J | Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka region) | Reservation in jobs and education, development board for backward areas (e.g., Gulbarga, Bidar). |
📝 Summary Table: Article 371 (Main)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Article | 371 |
| Applies to | Maharashtra and Gujarat |
| Purpose | Ensure balanced development via Regional Development Boards |
| Powers Given To | President to establish boards |
| Status | ✅ In force |
| Linked Articles | 371A–371J (state-specific special provisions) |
Here is a 📊 Complete Chart of Article 371 and Articles 371A to 371J — showing the special provisions for various Indian states under the Constitution:
🇮🇳 Chart: Article 371 & Its Sub-Articles (371A–371J)
| Article | State(s) | Key Special Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| 371 | Maharashtra, Gujarat | |
| 🔹 Separate Development Boards for: | ||
| – Vidarbha | ||
| – Marathwada | ||
| – Rest of Maharashtra | ||
| 🔹 Boards for Saurashtra, Kutch, and rest of Gujarat | ||
| 🔹 Ensure equitable development | ||
| 371A | Nagaland | |
| 🔹 Parliamentary laws on religion, Naga customary law, civil & criminal justice, land, and resources require State Assembly’s consent | ||
| 371B | Assam | |
| 🔹 Special legislative committee for tribal areas in the State Assembly | ||
| 371C | Manipur | |
| 🔹 Creation of a Hill Areas Committee | ||
| 🔹 Protection of hill tribal interests | ||
| 371D | Andhra Pradesh / Telangana | |
| 🔹 Ensure equal opportunities in employment and education | ||
| 🔹 Local reservations | ||
| 🔹 Special tribunals for grievances | ||
| 371E | Andhra Pradesh | |
| 🔹 Establishment of a Central University by Parliament | ||
| 371F | Sikkim | |
| 🔹 Integration with India post-1975 | ||
| 🔹 Protection of laws in force in Sikkim | ||
| 🔹 Seats reserved in Legislative Assembly for Sikkimese origin people | ||
| 371G | Mizoram | |
| 🔹 Parliament cannot legislate on religion, customs, land, and civil/criminal justice without State Assembly’s consent | ||
| 371H | Arunachal Pradesh | |
| 🔹 Governor given special powers related to law and order | ||
| 371I | Goa | |
| 🔹 Minor administrative difference | ||
| 🔹 No Legislative Council required | ||
| 371J | Karnataka (Hyderabad–Karnataka Region) | |
| 🔹 Creation of Development Board | ||
| 🔹 Reservation in jobs and education for locals | ||
| 🔹 Preferential treatment in public employment and education |
🧭 Visual Summary by State (Simplified):
| Region | Article | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra & Gujarat | 371 | Regional development |
| NE States (Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal) | 371A–371H | Autonomy over customs, land, tribal rights |
| Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | 371D, 371E | Local reservations, universities |
| Sikkim | 371F | Integration protection |
| Goa | 371I | Simpler legislative structure |
| Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) | 371J | Regional development and reservations |
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