Part XXI - Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions • Article

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

Article 371C 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

(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.]

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

Manipur has beautiful hills where tribal groups live, and flat plains where others live. This rule sets up a special committee made only of MLAs from the hills to make sure plains-majority rules do not hurt the hill tribe people.

Student Mode

Article 371C was inserted by the 27th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1971. It authorizes the President to set up a committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly consisting of members elected from the 'Hill Areas' of the state. The Governor is given special responsibility to secure the proper functioning of this committee and must submit an annual report to the President regarding the administration of the Hill Areas. The executive power of the Union is extended to giving directions to the state government to manage these areas.

Example

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

Key Takeaway

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

FAQs

Why was a separate Hill Areas Committee necessary in Manipur?

Manipur is divided geographically and demographically between the Imphal Valley (plains) and the surrounding Hills. The plains contain the majority of the population and assembly seats. To protect the minority hill tribes (Naga and Kuki-Chin groups) from majoritarian state policies regarding land and local resources, the Hill Areas Committee was constitutionally mandated.

What happens if the Manipur state government disregards the Hill Areas Committee's advice?

Under Article 371C(2), the Governor's annual report to the President acts as a watchdog. Furthermore, the Union executive holds direct power to issue binding directions to the state government to ensure hill tribal interests are protected.

Quiz

Which state's assembly is mandated to have a 'Hill Areas Committee' under Article 371C?

Answer: Manipur

Under Article 371C, the Governor must submit an annual report on Hill Areas administration to whom?

Answer: The President of India