Why in News?
Leaders of Ladakh and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reached an in-principle agreement on providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of Articles 371A, 371F, and 371G to the Union Territory of Ladakh — similar to protections for Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram.
Key Facts for Prelims
- Articles 371 to 371J are in Part XXI of the Indian Constitution
- Part XXI is titled: “Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provisions”
- These provisions apply to 12 specific states
- Ladakh seeks safeguards on lines of: 371A (Nagaland), 371F (Sikkim), 371G (Mizoram)
Quick Revision Table: Articles 371 to 371J
| Article | State | Key Provision |
|---|---|---|
| 371 | Maharashtra & Gujarat | Development boards for backward regions (Vidarbha, Marathwada, Saurashtra, Kutch) |
| 371A | Nagaland | Parliament cannot legislate on Naga customary laws, land rights without State Assembly approval |
| 371B | Assam | Special committee for Tribal Area members in State Assembly |
| 371C | Manipur | Hill Areas Committee; Governor’s special responsibility for hill areas |
| 371D | Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | Equitable public employment and education; local cadre reservations |
| 371E | Andhra Pradesh | Central University establishment |
| 371F | Sikkim | Protection of existing laws and rights after integration with India |
| 371G | Mizoram | Parliament cannot legislate on Mizo customary laws/land without State Assembly approval |
| 371H | Arunachal Pradesh | Governor’s special responsibility for law and order |
| 371I | Goa | Legislature not less than 30 members |
| 371J | Karnataka | Special provisions for Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) region |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| Article 371A applies to Mizoram | 371A → Nagaland; 371G → Mizoram |
| Part XXI is permanent provisions | Part XXI = “Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provisions” |
| 371J is for Assam | 371J is for Karnataka (Kalyana Karnataka) |
| 371B is for Manipur | 371B → Assam; 371C → Manipur |
| 371D applies to AP only | 371D covers both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
Practice MCQs
1. Articles 371 to 371J are in which Part of the Constitution?
a. Part XVIII
b. Part XIX
c. Part XX
d. Part XXI
Ans: D
Articles 371–371J are in Part XXI: “Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provisions.”
2. Under which article is Parliament restricted from legislating on Naga customary laws?
a. Article 371
b. Article 371A
c. Article 371G
d. Article 371H
Ans: B
Article 371A provides special protections to Nagaland regarding customary law and land rights.
3. Ladakh seeks safeguards like Articles 371A, 371F, and 371G applicable to which states respectively?
a. Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland
b. Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram
c. Manipur, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh
d. Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram
Ans: B
371A → Nagaland, 371F → Sikkim, 371G → Mizoram.
4. Article 371J provides special provisions for which region of Karnataka?
a. Kodagu region
b. Coastal Karnataka
c. Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka)
d. Malnad region
Ans: C
Article 371J covers the Kalyana Karnataka (formerly Hyderabad-Karnataka) region.
5. Which article provides for a special committee of the Assam Legislative Assembly for tribal area members?
a. Article 371A
b. Article 371B
c. Article 371C
d. Article 371D
Ans: B
Article 371B provides a special committee in the Assam Legislative Assembly for tribal area members.
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