Which states have special provisions under Article 371?
Q. Which of the following states do not have special provisions under Article 371?
1) Maharashtra.
2) Tripura.
3) Meghalaya.
4) Goa.- Published on 07 Mar 17a. 1, 2, 4
b. 1, 4
c. 2, 3
d. All of the above
ANSWER: 2, 3
- Articles 371 to 371-J in Part XXI of the constitution contain special provisions for eleven states viz., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim,Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka.
- Part XXI is entitled as ‘Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions’.
- The intention behind them is to meet the aspirations of the people of backward regions of the states or to protect the cultural and economic interests of the tribal people of the states or to deal with the disturbed law and order condition in some parts of the states or to protect the interests of the local people of the states.
- Originally, the constitution did not make any special provisions for these states.
- They have been incorporated by the various subsequent amendments made in the context of reorganization of the states or conferment of statehood on the Union Territories.
Provisions for Maharashtra and Gujarat -
Under Article 371, the President is authorized to provide that the Governor of Maharashtra and that of Gujarat would have special responsibility for -
1. establishment of separate development boards for -
(i) Vidarbha, Marathwada and the restof Maharashtra;and
(ii) Saurashtra, Kutch and the rest of Gujarat.
2. making a provision that a report on the working of these boards would be placed every year before the State Legislative Assembly;
3. the equitable allocation of funds for developmental expenditure over the above-mentioned areas; and
4. an equitable arrangement providing adequate facilities for technical education and vocational training, and adequate employment opportunities in the state services in respect of the above-mentioned areas.
