What is Article 275 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 275: Grants from the Union to certain States (1) Such sums as Parliament may by law provide shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India in each
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275

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Part XII – Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits

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Article 275: Grants from the Union to certain States

  • (1) Such sums as Parliament may by law provide shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India in each year as grants-in-aid of the revenues of such States as Parliament may determine to be in need of assistance, and different sums may be fixed for different States:
  • Provided that there shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India as grants-in-aid of the revenues of a State such capital and recurring sums as may be necessary to enable that State to meet the costs of such schemes of development as may be undertaken by the State with the approval of the Government of India for the purpose of promoting the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in that State or raising the level of administration of the Scheduled Areas therein to that of the administration of the rest of the areas of that State:
  • Provided further that there shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India as grants-in-aid of the revenues of the State of Assam sums, capital and recurring, equivalent to —
    • (a) the average excess of expenditure over the revenues during the two years immediately preceding the commencement of this Constitution in respect of the administration of the tribal areas specified in Part I of the table appended to paragraph 20 of the Sixth Schedule; and
    • (b) the costs of such schemes of development as may be undertaken by that State with the approval of the Government of India for the purpose of raising the level of administration of the said areas to that of the administration of the rest of the areas of that State.
  • (1A) On and from the formation of the autonomous State under article 244A, —
    • (i) any sums payable under clause (a) of the second proviso to clause (1) shall, if the autonomous State comprises all the tribal areas referred to therein, be paid to the autonomous State, and, if the autonomous State comprises only some of those tribal areas, be apportioned between the State of Assam and the autonomous State as the President may, by order, specify;
    • (ii) there shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India as grants-in-aid of the revenues of the autonomous State sums, capital and recurring, equivalent to the costs of such schemes of development as may be undertaken by the autonomous State with the approval of the Government of India for the purpose of raising the level of administration of that State to that of the administration of the rest of the State of Assam.
  • (2) Until provision is made by Parliament under clause (1), the powers conferred on Parliament under that clause shall be exercisable by the President by order and any order made by the President under this clause shall have effect subject to any provision so made by Parliament:
  • Provided that after a Finance Commission has been constituted no order shall be made under this clause by the President except after considering the recommendations of the Finance Commission.
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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 275 of the Indian Constitution focuses on providing financial assistance from the Union government to certain states that require support. This provision is particularly aimed at states that may face challenges in generating sufficient revenue, especially those with major tribal populations and scheduled areas. The article ensures that these states receive grants-in-aid, which are funds allocated to help them manage their developmental projects and improve local administration. This financial support helps uplift the living standards of the residents in these regions and promotes balanced development across the country. The article also highlights that different states may receive different amounts based on their specific needs. For instance, the Union government assesses which states are in greater need of assistance and provides grants tailored to these requirements. The funds can be used for both capital and recurring expenses, meaning they can cover one-time costs as well as ongoing operational costs. This flexibility allows states to utilize the funds effectively to implement projects that can lead to sustainable development. In addition, the article has provisions for the state of Assam, which has unique circumstances regarding its tribal areas. The funding provided to Assam is based on the average excess of its expenditure over revenue in previous years. This ensures that the state can manage its unique challenges while working to elevate the administration of tribal areas to match the rest of the state. Overall, Article 275 plays a key role in fostering equity and support for states that might struggle without such assistance.

Historical Context

This provision is particularly aimed at states that may face challenges in generating sufficient revenue, especially those with major tribal populations and scheduled areas. The article ensures that these states receive grants-in-aid, which are funds allocated to help them manage their developmental projects and improve local administration. This financial support helps uplift the living standards of the residents in these regions and promotes balanced development across the country. The article also highlights that different states may receive different amounts based on their specific needs.

Key Features

– Article 275 allows financial grants from the Union to specific states.
– It targets states identified as needing revenue assistance by Parliament.
– Different states may receive varying sums based on their needs.
– The article ensures support for tribal areas and their administration.
– Grants can cover both capital and recurring expenditures for development.

Importance & Impact

– Article 275 helps states in financial distress manage their development projects.
– It ensures equitable distribution of resources to tribal and underserved areas.
– The article promotes welfare schemes for indigenous populations in various states.
– Financial assistance under Article 275 fosters balanced regional development
– This provision allows states to elevate their administrative standards effectively.

Sample UPSC Question

Which of the following statements about Article 275 of the Indian Constitution is correct? A) It provides grants only to states with no tribal population. B) Funds under Article 275 can be used for both capital and recurring expenses. C) Article 275 has been significantly amended since 1950. D) All states receive the same amount of financial assistance under this article.

Answer

The correct answer is B. Article 275 allows funds to be utilized for both capital and recurring expenses, supporting states in their development efforts. Options A and D are incorrect as grants are tailored to the needs of different states, while C is incorrect as there have been no major amendments to this article.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 275 provides financial aid to certain states.
✓ Grants can support both one-time and ongoing projects.
✓ It focuses on uplifting tribal and tribal-adjacent areas.
✓ Different states receive different amounts based on needs.
✓ The article promotes equitable development across India

FAQs

Article 275 of the Indian Constitution focuses on providing financial assistance from the Union government to certain states that require support. This provision is particularly aimed at states that may face challenges in generating sufficient revenue, especially those with major tribal populations and scheduled areas. The article ensures that these states receive grants-in-aid, which are funds allocated to help them manage their developmental projects and improve local administration.

The funds can be used for both capital and recurring expenses, meaning they can cover one-time costs as well as ongoing operational costs. This flexibility allows states to utilize the funds effectively to implement projects that can lead to sustainable development. In addition, the article has provisions for the state of Assam, which has unique circumstances regarding its tribal areas.

The funding provided to Assam is based on the average excess of its expenditure over revenue in previous years. This ensures that the state can manage its unique challenges while working to elevate the administration of tribal areas to match the rest of the state. Overall, Article 275 plays a key role in fostering equity and support for states that might struggle without such assistance.

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