Historical Context of the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution

While discussing the draft of the first schedule of the constitution on 14 and 15 October 1949 the chairman Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar proposed an amendment to update the articles under the schedule. However, the president of the constituent assembly rejected the said amendment stating that the transfer of territories between states, the creation of new states, and the removal of old states could complicate the making of the constitution and emphasized focusing on existing territories.

Even Though many members raised concerns regarding some mattress-like status of princely states, the president maintained the discussion on delimitation and stated the fact that correction of state boundaries should be done only after the constitution is enforced. The First schedule was eventually adopted on October 15, 1949. It solidified the framework of union territories and the states of independent India.

1st Schedule of Indian Constitution – UPSC Notes

1st Schedule of Indian Constitution: Schedule 1 of the Indian Constitution provides information about the states and union territories, including their boundaries and territorial limits. The first Schedule to the Indian Constitution outlines India’s states and union territories, any modifications to their borders, and the laws that were used to effect those changes. It specifically addresses Articles 1 and 4.

It denotes the limits of the power relations between the states and UTs indirectly. Originally approved in 1950 along with the Indian Constitution, the First Schedule has been revised 27 times since then, most recently in 2019 to incorporate Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as union territories.

In this article, we will read about the 1st Schedule of the Indian Constitution, its drafting, history, provisions, and amendments.

Table of Content

  • What is the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution?
  • Historical Context of the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
  • Provisions under the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
  • Amendments in the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
  • Articles under 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
  • Why is the 1st Schedule Important?
  • Impact of 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution

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What is the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution?

The 1st schedule of the Indian Constitution is a list of states and union territories. It also defines the administrative and political boundaries of the states. This schedule also decides the number of seats to be allocated in Lok Sabha based on the population and size of the states. It also mentions special provisions like Article 371 which addresses the regional-specific concerts. The schedule has gone through some historical changes, amendments, and debates making it an important part of the constitution....

Historical Context of the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution

While discussing the draft of the first schedule of the constitution on 14 and 15 October 1949 the chairman Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar proposed an amendment to update the articles under the schedule. However, the president of the constituent assembly rejected the said amendment stating that the transfer of territories between states, the creation of new states, and the removal of old states could complicate the making of the constitution and emphasized focusing on existing territories....

Provisions under the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution

The first schedule of the Indian constitution includes the list of various states. Each of these includes acts defining the boundaries of states like the Andhra Pradesh State Act (1953) for the state of Andhra Pradesh and the State Reorganisation Act (1956). Also similar legislations were made for states like Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Nagaland, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Uttrakhand, Jharkhand, and Telangana....

Amendments in the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution

The First Schedule has been amended many times based on reorganisation. Here are some relevant amendments made to the 1st schedule:...

Articles under 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution

There are four articles under the 1st schedule. Let’s discuss them in detail:...

Why is the 1st Schedule Important?

The First schedule is important as it decides the number of Lok Sabha seats to be allocated according to the size and population of the state and union territory. It makes sure that every region in the country is represented fairly. It is like a guidebook on how our country is organized and helps everyone to know how the government works....

Impact of 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution

The First Schedule is important as it decides the number of Rajya Sabha seats to be allocated according to the size and population of the state and union territory. It makes sure that every region in the country is represented fairly. It is like a guidebook on how our country is organised and helps everyone to know how the government works. Presently the relevance of 1st schedule holds great importance in the principles of democracy by ensuring promotional representation in the Rajya Sabha. It allows different regions to have voice in the parliament. This becomes important in addressing problems of various states. Therefore the 1st schedule remains a vital part used in shaping a balance governance structure....

Conclusion – 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution

The first schedule of the constitution of India is important and contains the list of states and union territories. It also mentions their administrative and legal boundaries which help in the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha. The drafting process of 1st schedule involved significant debates in the constituent assembly. The first schedule is shaped by major historical changes and amendments like the State Reorganisation Act. Different amendments introduced through various acts modified the list of states and union territories. This reflects the changing geopolitical landscape of India....

FAQs on 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution

What is the 1st Schedule of the Indian Constitution?...