Special Provisions to some States in the Indian Constitution (Articles 371-371J)

Special Provisions to Some States

Part XXI of the Indian Constitution contains Articles 371 to 371(J), which advocate for the allotment of temporary, special provisions for 12 states, which include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Karnataka. These special provisions refer to the grant of specific amenities by the Central Government to selected states. The provisions focus on helping them develop at par with others. The Constitution did not originally contain these special provisions. They were incorporated by the various amendments made in the background of reorganization of the states or the grant of statehood on the Union Territories. The aim of these special provisions are to recognize and cater to the aspirations of people in the states’ backward regions, protect the cultural and economic interests of tribal populations, and address law and order issues in these areas....

Special Provisions to some States in the Indian Constitution (Articles 371-371J)

Issuing of special provisions to some states is based on the Gadgil formula, which uses parameters like per capita income, population, tax and ongoing projects in the state. Based on this, it is decided whether a state is eligible for special category status (SCS) or not....

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Purpose of Providing Special Provisions for Some States

To support the development of certain states that are comparatively underdeveloped. The underdevelopment of these states are mainly related to social, geographical, economic and political factors. To provide for additional facilities in states lacking infrastructure. To protect cultural heritage and customs of tribal communities in these states. To give financial aid and grants to these states for industrial and economic development. To control and check unlawful activities in these states....

Eligibility Criteria for states to Obtain Special Provisions

The National Development Council (NDC) ,an administrative body of the Central Government, decides on granting special provisions for some states. The parameters to consider if a state is eligible for special provisions are given below:...

Overview of these special provisions for some states in India

Discussed below in detail are special provisions given to specific states:...

Conclusion

We find that some states in India have been provided special provisions that assist them to develop on par with other states that have abundant resources available. The aim of these special provisions is to provide extra support to socio-economically backward states, states with majority tribal population that have historically been exploited, states that have a geographical disadvantage etc., so that all units that make the Indian Federation develop equally, and the unity of the nation is protected....

FAQ’s on Special Provisions to some states:

What is meant by the Gadgil formula?...