What is Article 330 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 330: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People (1) Seats shall be reserved in the House of the People
📅 Part XVI – Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes
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Article Number

330

part

Part XVI – Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes

Status

Active

Bare Acts Text

Article 330: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People

  • (1) Seats shall be reserved in the House of the People for —
    • (a) the Scheduled Castes;
    • (b) the Scheduled Tribes except the Scheduled Tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam; and
    • (c) the Scheduled Tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam.
  • (2) The number of seats reserved in any State or Union territory for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes under clause (1) shall bear, as nearly as may be, the same proportion to the total number of seats allotted to that State or Union territory in the House of the People as the population of the Scheduled Castes in the State or Union territory or of the Scheduled Tribes in the State or Union territory or part of the State or Union territory, as the case may be, in respect of which seats are so reserved, bears to the total population of the State or Union territory.
  • (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (2), the number of seats reserved in the House of the People for the Scheduled Tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam shall bear to the total number of seats allotted to that State a proportion not less than the population of the Scheduled Tribes in the said autonomous districts bears to the total population of the State.
  • Explanation.—In this article and in article 332, the expression “population” means the population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published:
  • Provided that the reference in this Explanation to the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published shall, until the relevant figures for the first census taken after the year 2026 have been published, be construed as a reference to the 2001 census.
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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 330 provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha based on their population proportion. This ensures political representation for historically marginalized communities at the national level. It is important to note that the 106th Amendment Act (2023), known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, introduced Article 330A, which mandates that one-third (33%) of all seats in the Lok Sabha, including those reserved for SCs and STs under Article 330, shall be reserved for women. This marked a historic shift toward gender parity in India’s highest legislative body.

Historical Context

This provision aims to ensure that these marginalized communities have representation in the highest legislative body. The reservation is based on the population of these groups within each state or Union territory. For instance, if a state has a large population of Scheduled Castes, it will have a proportional number of seats reserved for them in Lok Sabha. Additionally, this article includes specific clauses that address the representation of Scheduled Tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam. Article 330 of the Indian Constitution reserves seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People, which is commonly referred to as Lok Sabha.

Key Features

– Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes in the Lok Sabha.
– Scheduled Tribes in Assam have specific representation requirements.
– Reservation is based on population proportions from the last census.
– The article ensures marginalized groups can participate in governance.
– Provisions aim to promote social justice and political equality.

Importance & Impact

– The article promotes political participation among marginalized communities
– It aims to reduce historical disadvantages faced by Scheduled Castes.
– Reservation helps ensure diverse representation in the legislative process
– It serves as a tool for social upliftment and equality.
– The law adapts to changing demographics through census data

Sample UPSC Question

Consider the following statements regarding Article 330 of the Indian Constitution: 1. It reserves seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Lok Sabha. 2. It applies only to states and not Union territories. 3. The reservation is based on the population as per the last census. Which of the statements is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 1 and 3 C) 2 and 3 D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer

The correct answer is B) 1 and 3. Article 330 reserves seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Lok Sabha, based on the last census. However, it also applies to Union territories, making statement 2 incorrect. Article 330 of the Indian Constitution reserves seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People, which is commonly referred to as Lok Sabha.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 330 reserves Lok Sabha seats for marginalized communities.
✓ It promotes political engagement among Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
✓ Representation is based on census population data
✓ The law aims for social justice and equality in governance.
✓ Special provisions exist for Assam’s autonomous districts

FAQs

Article 330 of the Indian Constitution reserves seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People, which is commonly referred to as Lok Sabha. This provision aims to ensure that these marginalized communities have representation in the highest legislative body. The reservation is based on the population of these groups within each state or Union territory.

These districts have unique cultural and demographic characteristics, and thus, the law ensures that their representation is not less than their population percentage in the state. This means that these tribes can influence legislation that affects their lives directly. The goal is to uplift these communities and ensure their voices are heard in national decision-making.

The real-world impact of Article 330 can be seen in how it allows for political participation from groups that have faced historical discrimination. By reserving seats, the law encourages members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to engage in politics, advocate for their rights, and influence policies. It also acts as a stepping stone for social equality, helping to dismantle barriers that have historically limited their participation in governance and public life.

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