Special powers under Article 371 of the Constitution
- Under Part XXI of the Constitution of India, grants certain temporary, interim and special powers to
certain states. - It has been a part of the Constitution since January 26, 1950.
- However, Articles 371(A-J) were brought in through amendments through Article 368.
Article 371 - It concerns the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. According to this provision, the Governor of Maharashtra has the special responsibility of establishing separate development boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada and other parts of the state.
- The Governor of Gujarat has a similar responsibility for Saurashtra, Kutch and other parts of Gujarat.
- Article 371A
- Under this provision, no Act of Parliament relating to the religious or social practices of the Nagas, their customary law and practice, including matters of civil and criminal justice, ownership or transfer of land and resources shall apply to Nagaland, unless the State Legislature passes a resolution to that effect.
- Furthermore, it gives the Governor ‘special responsibility’ for law and order in the State.
- Article 371B
- This is for the State of Assam, which was introduced in 1969. It allows the President to deal with the constitution and functioning of a Legislative Assembly consisting of members elected from the tribal areas.
- Article 371C
- This applies to Manipur and was added to the Constitution in 1972. It provides for the constitution of
a Assembly consisting of members of the Legislative Assembly from the hill areas of Manipur. - It gives the Governor special responsibility to submit an annual report to the President on the
administration of the hill areas. - Article 371D and E
- It contains special provisions for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The President can issue an order to provide equal opportunities and facilities to the people of different parts of Andhra Pradesh in public employment and education. - Article 371F
- It applies to Sikkim and states that the State Legislative Assembly shall have at least 30 members.
- The Governor has special responsibility to maintain peace and make equitable arrangements to ensure social and economic progress of various sections.
- Article 371G
- It applies to Mizoram. It includes special provisions for the protection of religious and social practices, customary law and practices of the Mizos in Mizoram, as well as the administration of criminal and civil justice, except for the ownership and transfer of land
- .Article 371H
- It gives special responsibility for law and order to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Article 371I
- It relates to Goa. It requires that the Goa Legislative Assembly shall have not less than 30 members.
- Article 371J
- It grants special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region (Kalyana Karnataka) and provides for the establishment of a separate development board for the region.
