Part XXI - Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions • Article

Article 371B Simplified: Special provision with respect to the State of Assam

Article 371B gives special constitutional arrangements for a particular State or region. These provisions recognise local history, tribal customs, regional development needs, law and order concerns, or institutional protections.

Official Text

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the President may, by order made with respect to the State of Assam, 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 tribal areas specified in [Part I] of the table appended to paragraph 20 of the Sixth Schedule and such number of other members of that Assembly as may be specified in the order and for the modifications to be made in the rules of procedure of that Assembly for the constitution and proper functioning of such committee.]

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This rule helps tribal people in the state of Assam. It lets the President set up a special committee inside the state parliament made of leaders from tribal regions, so their needs are always taken care of.

Student Mode

Article 371B was inserted by the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1969. It empowers the President to provide for the constitution and functions of a committee of the Assam Legislative Assembly consisting of members elected from the tribal areas specified in Part I of the table in paragraph 20 of the Sixth Schedule (such as Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills). It also permits modifying the assembly's rules of procedure to ensure this committee functions effectively.

Example

For Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, or related regional arrangements, Article 371B tells you what special rule applies before ordinary laws are assumed to operate.

Key Takeaway

Article 371B is a State-specific constitutional safeguard or administrative arrangement.

FAQs

What was the political context behind Article 371B?

During the late 1960s, there was intense political demand for autonomy among the hill tribes of undivided Assam. Article 371B was introduced as an administrative compromise to ensure tribal voice and representation in Assam's state legislature before the eventual creation of separate hill states like Meghalaya.

Which tribal areas of Assam are referenced under this article?

It references the autonomous hill districts of Assam specified in Part I of the Sixth Schedule table, which historically included districts like the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills, Mikir Hills (Karbi Anglong), and North Cachar Hills.

Quiz

Which constitutional schedule's table of tribal areas is referenced in Article 371B for Assam?

Answer: Sixth Schedule

Under Article 371B, who is empowered to order the constitution of the tribal areas committee?

Answer: The President of India