What is Article 371C of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Explanation.—In this article, the expression “Hill Areas” means such areas as the President may, by order, declare to be Hill areas.
📅 Part XXI – Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions
🏷️Active

📚 UPSC Relevant

Article Number

371C

part

Part XXI – Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions

Status

Active

Bare Acts Text

Article 371C: Special provision with respect to the State of Manipur

  • (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the President may, by order made with respect to the State of Manipur, provide for the constitution and functions of a committee of the Legislative Assembly of the State consisting of members of that Assembly elected from the Hill Areas of that State, for the modifications to be made in the rules of business of the Government and in the rules of procedure of the Legislative Assembly of the State and for any special responsibility of the Governor in order to secure the proper functioning of such committee.
  • (2) The Governor shall annually, or whenever so required by the President, make a report to the President regarding the administration of the Hill Areas in the State of Manipur and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of directions to the State as to the administration of the said areas.

Explanation.—In this article, the expression “Hill Areas” means such areas as the President may, by order, declare to be Hill areas.

READ ALSO  What is Article 208 of Indian Constitution - Defination & Meaning

Full Definition & Explanation

Article 371C is specifically designed for the state of Manipur, addressing its unique geographical and cultural needs. This article allows the President of India to create a special committee within the Legislative Assembly that will consist of members elected from the Hill Areas of Manipur. This committee is necessary because it ensures that the voices and interests of people living in these hilly regions are represented adequately in the state legislature. The President’s order can modify existing rules and procedures to facilitate the effective functioning of this committee, ensuring that local issues are prioritized in governance. In addition to forming the committee, Article 371C also gives the Governor of Manipur specific responsibilities regarding these Hill Areas. The Governor must submit an annual report to the President on the administration of these areas. This reporting process is key as it keeps the central government informed about local governance and any issues that may arise in the Hill Areas. It also allows for the Union’s executive powers to step in if necessary, providing guidance to the state administration to ensure effective governance. The real-world impact of Article 371C is felt in the daily lives of the people in Manipur’s Hill Areas. By recognizing their unique needs and providing them representation, the article helps to preserve their culture and address their specific challenges. This article plays a critical role in balancing the needs of tribal and non-tribal populations in Manipur, promoting harmony and cooperative governance in a diverse society. It is a major step toward local empowerment and inclusive development in the state.

Historical Context

Article 371C was added to the Constitution of India in 1971 through the 22nd Amendment Act. The aim was to address the governance challenges faced by the tribal populations in Manipur’s Hill Areas. During the Constituent Assembly debates, the issue of local governance for tribal areas was discussed extensively, highlighting the need for tailored provisions. The 22nd Amendment was thought necessary to ensure that these communities had a voice in their governance. The Supreme Court has addressed issues related to this article in various cases, emphasizing the importance of local governance and representation in tribal areas.

Key Features

– Article 371C allows the President to define Hill Areas in Manipur.
– It creates a special committee in the Legislative Assembly for Hill Areas.
– Members of the committee are elected exclusively from the Hill Areas.
– The Governor reports annually to the President about Hill Areas administration.
– The Union’s executive power can guide the state on Hill Areas governance.

Importance & Impact

– This article significantly improves local representation in Manipur’s governance framework.
– It helps address the unique needs of residents in the Hill Areas effectively.
– The annual reporting by the Governor promotes accountability in local administration.
– It empowers tribal communities by ensuring their voices are heard in state affairs.
– The article fosters regional stability by effectively addressing local governance challenges.

Sample UPSC Question

Which of the following statements regarding Article 371C is correct? A) It is applicable only to the state of Nagaland. B) It allows the President to define Hill Areas specifically in Manipur. C) The Governor has no role in the administration of Hill Areas as per this Article. D) It was added through the 12th Amendment Act of the Constitution. In the context of governance in Manipur, analyze these statements and select the correct option.

Answer

The correct answer is B. Article 371C allows the President to specifically define Hill Areas in Manipur, providing a framework for local governance. Option A is incorrect as it refers to Nagaland, not Manipur. Option C is wrong because the Governor has major reporting duties under this article, while Option D misidentifies the amendment number.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 371C enhances local governance in Manipur’s Hill Areas.
✓ It establishes a committee for representation in the Legislative Assembly.
✓ The President defines the Hill Areas under this constitutional provision.
✓ The Governor has key reporting duties regarding these specific areas.
✓ It aims to address unique challenges faced by tribal populations in Manipur.

FAQs

Article 371C is specifically designed for the state of Manipur, addressing its unique geographical and cultural needs. This article allows the President of India to create a special committee within the Legislative Assembly that will consist of members elected from the Hill Areas of Manipur. This committee is necessary because it ensures that the voices and interests of people living in these hilly regions are represented adequately in the state legislature.

Article 371C provides local representation in the Legislative Assembly, ensuring that the needs of Hill Areas residents are effectively addressed. It creates a dedicated committee that focuses on local governance issues, allowing for better management of resources and services. This means that the voices of tribal populations are amplified in decision-making processes.

The Governor has the responsibility to report annually to the President on the administration of the Hill Areas. This reporting is key for ensuring accountability and oversight in governance, allowing the central government to monitor local issues. Additionally, the Governor may play a role in facilitating effective local administration as directed by the President.

Related Articles

Picture of Pramod Pal Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Pramod Pal Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Pramod is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of StudyHub. He holds a Master's degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology, alongside more than 7+ years spent building and verifying competitive exam content for Indian aspirants. He leads StudyHub's editorial process across Indian Polity, the Constitution, Indian Economy, History, Geography, Science, and the platform's other subject areas — checking every article against primary sources (bare act text and Gazette notifications for constitutional topics, government and Economic Survey data for economy content, standard reference material elsewhere) and flagging it for re-verification whenever a relevant amendment, policy, or data update makes an earlier version outdated.
Scroll to Top