About Article 371
Article 371 is included in Part XXI of the Indian Constitution, which deals with temporary, transitional and special provisions for certain States.
It has been part of the Constitution since 26 January 1950. However, Articles 371(A) to 371(J) were introduced through constitutional amendments under Article 368.
Special Provisions under Articles 371(A) to 371(J)
Article 371 – Maharashtra and Gujarat
Article 371 deals with the States of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The Governor of Maharashtra has a special responsibility to establish separate development boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada and the rest of Maharashtra.
Similarly, the Governor of Gujarat has a special responsibility to establish separate development boards for Saurashtra, Kutch and the rest of Gujarat.
Article 371A – Nagaland
Article 371A provides special constitutional protection to the religious and social practices of the Nagas, their customary law and procedure, and matters relating to civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law.
No Act of Parliament concerning these matters, including the ownership and transfer of land and its resources, applies to Nagaland unless the State Legislative Assembly passes a resolution to that effect.
The provision also gives the Governor a special responsibility regarding law and order in the State.
Article 371B – Assam
Article 371B deals with Assam and was introduced in 1969.
It empowers the President to provide for the constitution and functioning of a committee of the Assam Legislative Assembly consisting of members elected from the tribal areas.
Article 371C – Manipur
Article 371C applies to Manipur and was inserted into the Constitution in 1972.
It provides for the constitution of a committee of legislators from the Hill Areas of Manipur.
The Governor has a special responsibility to submit an annual report to the President regarding the administration of the Hill Areas.
Articles 371D and 371E – Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Articles 371D and 371E provide special provisions for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Under Article 371D, the President can issue an order to provide equitable opportunities and facilities to people belonging to different parts of Andhra Pradesh in matters of public employment and education.
Article 371F – Sikkim
Article 371F applies to Sikkim and provides that the State Legislative Assembly must consist of at least 30 members.
The Governor has a special responsibility for the maintenance of peace and ensuring equitable arrangements for the social and economic advancement of different sections of the population.
Article 371G – Mizoram
Article 371G applies to Mizoram.
It provides special constitutional protection for the religious and social practices of the Mizos, their customary law and procedure, and matters relating to the administration of civil and criminal justice.
It also protects matters concerning the ownership and transfer of land.
Article 371H – Arunachal Pradesh
Article 371H applies to Arunachal Pradesh and confers a special responsibility on the Governor regarding law and order in the State.
Article 371I – Goa
Article 371I relates to Goa.
It provides that the Goa Legislative Assembly must consist of not less than 30 members.
Article 371J – Karnataka
Article 371J accords special provisions to the Hyderabad-Karnataka Region, now known as Kalyana Karnataka.
It provides for the establishment of a separate development board for the region.