CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC IAS

In the backdrop of protests across Ladakh, the Centre is mulling granting Article 371-like protection to the Union Territory.

What is Article 371?

• Articles 371, 371A, 371B, 371C, 371D, 371E, 371F, 371G, 371H, and 371J define special provisions with regard to another state (or states).
  • Article 371, Maharashtra and Gujarat
  • Article 371A (13th Amendment Act, 1962), Nagaland
  • Article 371B (22nd Amendment Act, 1969), Assam
  • Article 371C (27th Amendment Act, 1971), Manipur
  • Article 371D (32nd Amendment Act, 1973; substituted by The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
  • Article 371
  • Article 371F (36th Amendment Act, 1975), Sikkim
  • Article 371G (53rd Amendment Act, 1986), Mizoram
  • Article 371H (55th Amendment Act, 1986), Arunachal Pradesh
  • Article 371J (98th Amendment Act, 2012), Karnataka

Role of Special status

• The main objectives behind the Article 371 granting special provisions to some states are to meet the unique needs of the backward regions of these states, protect the economic and cultural interests of these regions, combat the local challenges and protect the customary laws in these regions.