Category: assam polity

Assam Govt and Indian Govt sign peace Pact with ULFA (All Provisions) – Assam/Northeast Polity Notes

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Assam Govt and Indian Govt sign peace Pact with ULFA (All Provisions) - Assam/Northeast Polity Notes
Assam Polity - Assamexam

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Recently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Assam government and the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) signed a memorandum of settlement (MoU). The agreement was signed with the pro-talks faction of ULFA under Arabinda Rajkhowa while the other faction led by Paresh Baruah (known as ULFA-I) has not joined the peace process.

Major provisions in the ULFA Peace Accord

  1. Development Measures- The peace agreement encompasses a comprehensive package for the all-round development of Assam. It includes provisions for various developmental projects and a commitment to resolving long-standing issues. The government has pledged investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore, staggered through the years.
  2. Political Inclusion- The agreement addresses the issue of political insecurity among indigenous people, reserving 97 out of 126 seats for them in the recent delimitation exercise. It ensures the continuation of this principle in future delimitation processes, aiming to address political insecurities.
  3. Non-Violence- ULFA has agreed to renounce violence, disarm, disband the armed organization, vacate their occupied camps, and participate in the peaceful democratic process established by law. This commitment aims to ensure the integrity of the country and marks a shift towards non-violent engagement.
  4. A time-bound program will be made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to fulfil the demands of ULFA and a committee will also be formed for its monitoring.
  5. Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam remain committed to protect the interests of the indigenous communities, ULFA agreed to shun the path of violence, join the peaceful democratic process as established by the law of the land, and uphold the integrity of the country. 

 

Political Demands

  1. The Govt. of India agrees to maintain the territorial integrity of the State of Assam. However, the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam are committed to amicably resolve boundary disputes of Assam with neighbouring States.
  2. The Govt. of India will consider recommending to the Election Commission of India to follow, as far as possible, the broad guidelines and methodology, which was adopted for the delimitation exercise held in Assam in 2023, in future delimitations as well. Some of these parameters used in the exercise are rate of growth of population, density of population, principles of historicity of areas and communities, geographical continuity, physical features, facilities of communication and public convenience. 
  3. Effective measures will be taken to prevent enrolment of illegal migrants in the voter lists. All precautions will be taken to ensure thorough scrutiny of new voters at the time of revision of electoral rolls. The verification exercise should be carried out under the direct supervision of the District Electorar Registration Officer.
  4. ST Status for Communities: The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been introduced by the Govt. of India in the Rajya Sabha to include certain communities in the list of the STs in relation to the State of Assam. The Govt. of Assam has constituted a Committee of Group of Ministers (CGoM) to examine and suggest on the different aspects of reservation of six communities in the State. The Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam will make efforts to expedite the process after signing of the MoS.
  5. Reservation in Education/Employment: The Govt. of Assam agrees to consider initiating measures to divide OBCs/MOBCs into separate categories and specify quantum of reservation for each category for the purpose of reservation in educational institutions and employment under the State Govt. The State Govt. has already constituted the Assam Backward Classes Commission in April 2022 under the Assam Backward Classes Commission Act, 1993 towards this objective.
  6. NRC/Illegal Immigration: Foreigners detected after preparation of the corrected and error-free NRC shall be dealt with as per the law of the land. Effective measures, including use of latest state of the art technologies, will continue to be taken jointly by the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam to secure international borders to prevent fresh illegal influx into the country.
  7. Land/Forest: For efficient management of land resources, the Govt. of Assam will take steps to digitalise all land holdings, preferably within 3 years of signing of the MoS. The Govt. of Assam will take necessary steps to prevent shrinkage/decrease of prime agricultural land. No agricultural land will ordinarily be allotted or settled for any other purpose except when the State Govt. is of the view that the intended purpose is in public interest such as establishment of industry for employment generation, construction of public institution/office, hospital, dispensary, etc.
  8. Tea Gardens: The Govt. of Assam will consider constituting a Committee under the Chairmanship of a Cabinet Minister to examine the issue of sick tea gardens and recommend steps as to how to revive them. The Committee will also study various issues relating to welfare of the tea garden workers and recommend appropriate measures to address their grievances, in consultation with all stakeholders including the plantation owners. Persons belonging to Tea and Ex-Tea garden community will be given preference in allotment of land acquired from Tea Estate under the Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1956, as amended from time to time. 
    Efforts will be made by the Govt. of India to re-locate the Office of Tea Board of India from Kolkata to a suitable location in Assam.
  9. The Govt. of India may consider facilitating acquisition of land at Delhi and provide financial assistance for constructionn of a Community Centre, which will inculcate the spirit of Srimanta Sankardev and Lachit Borpukhan, at the national level.
  10. The Govt. of India may consider setting up a Visual Art University in Assam to promote film production, performing arts, animation etc.
  11. The Govt. of India may consider establishing a Regional Centre of Lalit Kala Academy for the North East in Assam.
  12. Govt. of Assam will set up an Archaeology Research Centre at Tezpur.
  13. An Ethnic Museum will be set up by the Govt. of Assam in Dhemaji, which was the second capital of Ahom kingdom (Dhemaji Habung).
  14. A heritage centre will be set up by the Govt. of Assam at Jamugurihat (Sonitpur district) for preserving the “Bhaona Culture”.
  15. Cultural Academy and Research Centres will be set up by the Govt. of Assam in erstwhile Lakhimpur, Darrang, Goalpara (to be named after Pratima Pandey Baruah), Kamrup, Sivasagar, Cachar and Nagaon districts, which are known for their rich cultural tradition since pre-Independence days.
  16. The Govt. of India will take up a number of developmental projects in Assam in the next few years covering core infrastructure sectors such as Road Transport & Highways, Railways, Flood and Soil Erosion, Petroleum & Natural Gas, MSME, Textiles, MEITY, etc. A list of identified projects is at Annexure — I. 10.2 The Govt. of Assam will also take up a number of developmental projects in the State in the next few years covering various sectors such as Energy, Petroleum & Natural Gas, Roads & Bridges, Floods and Soil Erosion, Wetland Development, Education, Cottage Industry and Delivery of services to improve ease of living. A list of identified projects is at Annexure — II.
  17. Special Development Package: A Special Development Package of Rs. 5000 Crores will be provided over a period of five years with matching contributiorf by the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Assam for various developmental initiatives in the State.

 

ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS 

A. ROAD

1. Highway from Diphu to West Karbi Anglong via Hamren 

2. 4-lane Gauripur Bypass from Dumardohan to Baladmara via Khudimari, Fulkumari, Charaldanga, Sajuarkuti, Geramari 

3. Two lane road from Majuli to Jorhat on NH-715K 

4. Stage strengthening of NH-127C from Samthaibari to Dadgiri 

5. New Bridge over River Gai on NH-15 

6. River Training Work for New 2-Lane Major Bridge between Majuli and Jorhat

7. Construction & up-gradation of NH-127C from Samthaibari to Galengphu (Indo-Bhutan Border) 

8. Widening of NH-329

 9. Tamenglong – Mahur Road from Jiri River to Hangrum 

10. 4-Laning of Bilasipara-Tulungia and Silchar-Jiribam 

11. 4-Laning of Silchar ISBT of NH-37 and NH-6 

12. 4-Laning of NH-37/NH-8 near Sutarkandi (Spur Connectivity to Indo/Bangladesh Border) and proposed Nilam bazar/ Cheragi Bypass on Silchar-Churaibari 

13. 4-Laning of NH-8 (proposed Nilambazar/Cheragi Bypass near Chandkhira Village and near Churaibari Village (Assam/Tripura Border) on Silchar-Churaibari 

14. 4-Laning of Malidor-Ratachera-Kalain-Badarpur 

15. 4-Laning of Silchar-Jiribam 

16. Construction of new highway from NH-37 near Pailapool to NH-137 connecting Jaipur, Harinagar, Kumarcherra, Zinam, Hagrum (Mahur-Tamenglomg Road) 

17. (a) 4-Lane Approach road from Numaligarh side to Brahmaputra Tunnel on South Bank

 (b) 4-Laning of Brahmaputra Tunnel Connectivity across River Brahmaputra between Gohpur (on NH-15) and Numaligarh (on NH71) 

(c) 4-Laning of Approach road from End of Brahmaputra River Tunnel to Gohpur side on North Bank 

18. Guwahati Ring Road including Brahmaputra Bridge 

19. Implementation of wild life friendly measures on Kaziranga National Park stretch of NH-715 Baihata to Sonapur section) and (Basistha to Jorabat section) on NH 37 

B. Railways 

20. World Class Station Building at Kamakhya Railway Station 

21. New Railway line Salona-Khumtai 

22. New Railway line Tezpur-Silghat 

23. Saraighat Bridge doubling 

24. Doubling of Kamakhya — New Guwahati — 3rd Line 

25. Doubling of Lumding – Tinsukia Jn – Dibrugarh railway line 

26. Multi-tracking of Azara- Tetelia 

27. Multitracking from Khandikar- Kendukona (Rangia By-pass) 

28. Chandranathpur — Agartala 

29. Agthori – Dekargaon (New line)

 30. New lines : Ledo – Jairampur- Kharsang; Gogamukh—Jorhat; Jowai-Khlieriat— Chandranathpur; Kokrajhar-Gelephu 

C. FLOOD AND SOIL EROSION 

31. Anti-erosion measures at different reaches of river Kushiyara 

32. Raising and strengthening of Dyke from Bahari to Baghbar

33. Anti-erosion measures at different reaches of river Garuphella

 34. Anti-erosion measures at different reaches of river Longa 

35. Protection of Majuli island from flood and erosion of river Brahmaputra 

36. Integrated Water Resources Management of Buridehing Basin 

37. Integrated flood and erosion management of Manas and Beki rivers in Baksa and Barpeta districts 

38. Integrated flood and river bank erosion manaaement works at Rohmoria 

39. Protection of Flood embankment along Kollong river from Raha to Jagi

 40. Construction of Dyke along right bank of river Kollong from Dhankhunda to Gobardhan hill and sluice gate at Dhepuijan, Ghoramarajaan and Kajolijan 

41. Protection of Kolbari and Lality area from the erosion of river Brahmaputra (Construction of three nos of spurs and a check dam) 

42. Protection of various villages from the erosion of river Aie 

43. Rejuvenation, bioremediation and conservation of Silsako Beel at Guwahati 

D. PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS 

44. Pipeline from Duliajan to Majuli 

45. Laying of pipeline from Narayanpur, Assam to Banderdewa & Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh 

46. Pipeline from Guwahati, Assam to Sandrup Jonkhar, Bhutan

 47. Pipelines from Silchar, Assam to Imphal, Manipur via Jiribam 

48. Pipeline from Baihata, Assam to Panikhaiti, Assam and from Sonapur, Assam to Tura & Mairang, Meghalaya. 

49. Capacity augmentation of Bongaigaon LPG Plant 

50. Laying of Guwahati-Silchar-Imphal Product Pipeline (GSIPL)

51. Bongaigaon Refinery Expansion 

52. Geleki Redevelopment Project 

53. Creation Of Captive Power Plant (CPP) at Geleki 

54. Creation of Surface Facilities and Redevelopment of Geleki Field 

55. Pipeline Network Project, Rudrasagar

56. Creation of Captive Power Plant (CPP) at Rudrasagar 

57. Pilot implementation of Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) in Rudrasagar, Lakwa, Lakhmani 

E. MSME

58. Development of New Industrial Estate at Chenga, Bahari, District Barpeta

59. Setting up of a new industrial estate at 2, Dhemajibari, Biswanath Cherialx

60. Up-gradation of the Integrated Infrastructure Development Centre IIDC, Silapathar, District Dhemaji

61. Development of New Industrial Estate at Maizgram, District Karimganj

62. Up-gradation of the Integrated Infrastructure Development Centre, Titabor, Jorhat

63. Development of New Industrial Estate at Dighalichapari, District-Sonitpur

64. Infrastructure Development Facilities & Up-gradation in the existing Complex, Manja, Karbi Anglong, Assam.

F. TEXTILES

65. Eri and Muga Silk Development Project for creation of livelihood of forest communities

66. Integrated project for Eri Silk Industry

67. Project for empowering women from forest dependant communities in Soil to Silk value chain (Ava Creation – SPV)

G. MEITY

68. Research Centre for Nano-technology. 

Annexure-!!

List of Developmental Projects to be taken up by Govt. of Assam 

A. ENERGY

1. Development of 3000 MW Solar power projects in Assam

2. Increased Hydro-Power generation by expansion of KarbiLangpi Project with additional 50 MW

3. Develop Assam as a region hub by establishing 250 MW Battery Energy Storage.

4. Increased power supply in the State by exploiting green sources by developing 212 MW Solar Parks in the State

5. Development of anew 25 MW Namrup Solar Power Project 

6. Development of 20 MW Sonbeel Solar Power Project at Karimganj

B. PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

 7. Increased oil and gas business in Assam in the midstream and downstream by expanding the capacity and diversification of NRL into 9 MMPTA

C. ROADS AND BRIDGES

8. Improved rural connectivity by construction of new and strengthening of Resilient Rural Bridges in the State 

9. Improvement of communication by taking up of Assam Bridge project connecting Palashbari

10. Special focus and investment for development of Roads in Hill Areas in Assam with suitable designs for Disaster Resilience

D. FLOODS AND SOIL EROSION

11. Protection of lives and livelihoods of people of Assam in flood affected areas by taking up Integrated River Basin Management Projects

12. Long term and sustainable development of Brahmaputra riverine areas by taking up projects like Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and River Erosion Risk Management Programme

13. Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project in: (a) Assam-Dibrugrh and Tinsukia Sub Project (Zone-A) (b) Assam-Morigaon Nagaon Tezpur Sub project (Zone-B) (c) Assam-Guwahati West P:G.P Sub project (Zone-C) (d) Assam-Barpeta Goalpara Dhubri sub project ( Zone D)

E. MISCELLANEOUS

14. Systemic transformation of Governance & Service Delivery in Assam to make it more pro-people and accountable by targeted investments

15. Focussed Investment to develop modern Urban Infrastructure and Urban Sector in Assam to promote Ease of Living

16. Develop and Implement time-bound program to cover all major towns of Assam with urban gas distribution to provide connections to all households in 5 years

F. WETLAND DEVELOPMENT

17. Eco-Conservation and Development of Assam Wetlands and Integrated Fisheries in a sustainable manner G. EDUCATION

18. Mission Mode and focused efforts and investments to support School education in Assam

H. COTTAGE INDUSTRY

19. Bell metal, Brass metal and charcoal depot based industries to be established in Sarthebari (Bajali District). State Govt. to look into the problems of easy availability of raw material to ensure survival of Bell based Assamese handicraft cottage industry. 

Annexure-III

Illustrative list of developmental projects to, be implemented underSpecial Development Packaqe,

A. EDUCATION

1. IIM at Guwahati subject to laid down govt. norms

2. School of Planning and Architecture subject to laid down govt. norms

3. Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) subject to laid down govt. norms

4. A University in the name of Su-Ka-Pha in Charaideo district subject to aid down govt. norms

5. Education Park at Guwahati to impart interacting, demonstrative and physical education to youth on physical science, life and social sciences.

6. Training School for imparting hands on training in Oil and Gas operations

B. RAILWAYS

7. North Eastern Frontier Railways to be re-constituted to cover only the States of North East Region subject to laid down norms of Railway Board.

8. Railway equipment manufacturing plant at Bongaigaon

C. FLOOD AND SOIL EROSION

Flood and erosion problem will be treated as a national priority

D. INDUSTRY

10. Food processing Industrial park in Malinibari of Silchar District.

11. Special Economic Zone at Daranga Mela area of IndoBhutan border (Baksa District).

12. !ndustrial area for value added production from Banana in Goalpara district

13. Industrial area for value added production from Pineapple in Karbi Anglong district

14. A bamboo-based industry in Barak Valley

E. TOURISM

15. Development of Kaziranga as a high-end national level tourist attraction centre with various entertainment amenities, Botanical and Floral Garden, Orchid Centre, Eco Forest Museum and opportunities to showcase local culture, craft, cottage industry, etc.

16. Tea Museum at Dibrugarh

17. Development of tourist spots at .Rangghar, Talatalghar, Karengghar, Khaspur ruins, Brahmaputra waterfront at Guwahati, battlefield of Saraighat war and Bogeebil.

18. Development of water sports activities at Bogeebil (Dibrugarh District).

E. TOURISM

15. Development of Kaziranga as a high-end national level tourist attraction centre with various entertainment amenities, Botanical and Floral Garden, Orchid Centre, Eco Forest Museum and opportunities to showcase local culture, craft, cottage industry, etc.

16. Tea Museum at Dibrugarh

17. Development of tourist spots at . Rangghar, Talatalghar, Karengghar, Khaspur ruins, Brahmaputra waterfront at Guwahati, battlefield of Saraighat war and Bogeebil.

18. Development of water sports activities at Bogeebil (Dibrugarh District).

F. SPORTS

19. A multi-facility sports complex with Centre of Excellence in Volleyball at Nalbari

20. Centre of Excellence for Foot+oail in Dibrugarh and Baksa districts

21. Multi-purpose sports complex at Darrang and Charaideo districts

22. Football Academy at Kaiiabor (Nagaon District).

G. AGRICULTURE

23. An in ernationaliy accredited Organic Produce Certification

Centre to be set up in Assam Agriculture University.

24. A Regional Pesticide Testing laboratory to be set up at Guwahati.

25.  Muga Parks at Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Sivasagar and South Ka,mrup with special incentives to Muga producers. Rural areas (Dhakuakhana, Dhemaji, Charaideo and Boko) to be declared as eco-sensitive zone for survival of Muga silk culture.

26. Setting up of a Germplasm Bank in Horticulture Collage at Nalbari (Lokhopur) for development of indigenous verities of flora and fauna and collection and preservation of indigenous/heirloom seeds.

27. Solar Cold Storage in Sadia

H. ACT EAST POLICY

28. An international cultural centre in Guwahati to promote people to people socio-cultural contact with neighbouring countries.

29. An International level amusement park to be set up near Mayang and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary area in collaboration with private sector.

1. SKILL DEVELOPMENT

30. Skill Development Centres will be set up to function in close coordination with industry and impart specialised training to the youth for enhancing their capabilities in areas that are in demand overseas such as hospitality, healthcare, construction, manufacturing etc.

J. BlO-FUEL SECTOR

31. A Committee will be constituted to study and recommend on promotion of investment and formulation of policy in consultation with Niti Aayog to make Assam a hub for green energy.

32. Green Banks will be set up to provide financial assistance for green energy projects.

K. WETLAND DEVELOPMENT

33. Development of eco-tourism and state of the art water sports hub along with fresh water fisheries at Pahu-Garh (Sivasager district), Kalang River (Nagaon district) and Deuri Silabandha bil (Kaliabar), From Bouta bil to Kapfa bil Wetland (hiafbariBarpeta district), Dheer Bill (Dhuburi district), MatapungMaguri bill (Tinsukia district) and Bagibill of Dibrugarh district.

L.  ROADS AND BRIDGES

34. Bridges at (i) Boko-Mukalmua (ii) Disangmukh-Matmora (Sivasagar district-Lakhimpur district) (iii) Lahorighat (Morigaon district) – Udalguri (Udalguri district), and (iv) Mora Deopani-Amarpur Telia Bari to be constructed.

35. Construction of road from Khatkhati to Namrup Dilighat bridge along Assam-Nagaland boundary.

36. Reopening of road communication on Goalpara – Dalu – Nalitabari axis (road along Indo-Bangladesh boarder which links different border trade points).

 

Peace Pact with ULFA: A Path Towards Peace

  • 2005: United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) formed an 11-member ‘People’s Consultative Group’ (PCG)and the committee mediated three rounds of talks.
  • 2008: Some ULFA commanders like Arabinda Rajkhowa strive for peace talks while Paresh Baruah was opposed and was expelled from Rajkhowa outfit leading to split in ULFA.
  • 2012: The pro-talks faction submitted a 12-point charter of demands (spanning constitutional, political, financial, and cultural concerns), which was finally responded to in 2023.
  • 2023: Peace Accord between Rajkhowa’s faction and the Centre was followed, culminating in the tripartite peace agreement.
  • One of the major key points is that 97 out of 126 Assembly seats would be reserved for indigenous people and the future delimitation exercise would follow this principle.

 

Significance of the Peace Pact

  • Progress and Development: ₹1.5 lakh crore investment had been pledged in the peace accord.
  • Political Will and Implementation: A time-bound program will be made by the Home Ministry to fulfill the demands of ULFA.
  • Ensuring Peace Assam: With an aim to achieve resolution and closure.
    Violent Groups Surrendered: As more than 9000 cadres have surrendered on record.
  • Triumph of Democratic Process: ULFA has also agreed to engage in the peaceful democratic process established by law and maintain the integrity of the country.

 

Way Forward

  • Fulfill Promise: Government needs to fulfill the promises made during the peace agreement, addressing the concerns and aspirations of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and the affected communities.
  • Complete Peace Process: Ensure a comprehensive and thorough peace process.
  • Complete Integration and Assimilation: By involving rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and support for their social and economic integration.
  • Ensure Continued Monitoring: To ensure that all parties adhere to their commitments.
  • Neutralizing ULFA-1: Through collaboration with the Myanmar government. Diplomatic channels must be leveraged to counter any support provided to ULFA-1 by China.

The peace accord is a positive development for Northeast peace. However, challenges persist with the non-participating ULFA-I and cross-border issues. Sustained commitment and diplomatic efforts are essential for ensuring lasting stability in the region.

 

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Forty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of India, 1978

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Forty-fourth Constitution Amendment Act, 1978

Indian Polity Notes APSC, UPSC and State Exam Notes

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  • Restored the original term of the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies.
  • Restored the provisions with regard to the quorum in the Parliament and state legislatures. 
  • Omitted the reference to the British House of Commons in the provisions pertaining to parliamentary privileges. 
  • Gave constitutional protection to publication in a newspaper of true reports of the proceedings of the Parliament and the state legislatures. 
  • Empowered the president to send back once the advice of the cabinet for reconsideration. But, the reconsidered advice is to be binding on the president. 
  • Deleted the provision which made the satisfaction of the president, governor, and administrators final in issuing ordinances. 
  • Restored some of the powers of the Supreme Court and high courts. 
  • Replaced the term ‘internal disturbance’ by ‘armed rebellion’ in respect of national emergency. 
  • Made the President declare a national emergency only on the written recommendation of the cabinet. 
  • Made certain procedural safeguards with respect to a national emergency and President’s rule. 
  • Deleted the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights and made it only a legal right. 
  • Provided that the fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended during a national emergency. 
  • Omitted the provisions which took away the power of the court to decide the election disputes of the president, the vice-president, the prime minister and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Important Books for Assam General Knowledge 
  Economy of Assam
  Environment & Ecology
  Geography of Assam
  History of Britain
  Assam – Art & Culture
  History of Assam – Ahom and British Period
  History of Assam – Ancient Period

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Indian National Flag, Anthem, Song & State Emblem of India – Indian Polity Note for APSC Exam

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Indian National Flag, Anthem, Song & State Emblem of India

Indian Polity Notes for APSC, UPSC and State Exams

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Indian National Flag
  • The Indian National Flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya. 
  • The national flag of India is a horizontal rectangular tricolour flag of India saffron, white and India green; with the Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel, in navy blue at its centre.
  • It was adopted in its present form during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly held on 22 July 1947, and it became the official flag of the Dominion of India on 15 August 1947.
  • The flag was subsequently retained as that of the Republic of India. In India, the term “tricolour” almost always refers to the Indian national flag.
  • Usage of the flag is governed by the Flag Code of India and other laws relating to the national emblems. The original code prohibited use of the flag by private citizens except on national days such as the Independence day and the Republic Day.
  • In 2002, on hearing an appeal from a private citizen, Naveen Jindal, the Supreme Court of India directed the Government of India to amend the code to allow flag usage by private citizens. Subsequently, the Union Cabinet of India amended the code to allow limited usage. The code was amended once more in 2005 to allow some additional use including adaptations on certain forms of clothing.
Indian National Anthem
  • The National Anthem of India Jana-gana-mana was adopted in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly as the National Anthem of India on 24 January 1950. It was composed originally as Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore.
  • It was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Kolkata Session of the Indian National Congress.
  • A formal rendition of the national anthem takes approximately 52 seconds.
Indian National Song
  • On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted “Vande Mataram” as a national song. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. 
  • The poem was first published in 1882 as part of Chatterjee’s Bengali novel Anandmath. It is an ode to the motherland, personified as the “mother goddess” is later verses, of the people. Indian nationalist and philosopher Sri Aurobindo referred Vande Mataram as the “national Anthem of Bengal”.
  • The poem played a vital role in the Indian independence movement. It first gained political significance when it was recited by Rabindranath Tagore at Congress in 1896.
  • By 1905, it had become a popular amongst political activists and freedom fighters as a marching song. The song, as well as Anandmath, were banned under British colonial rule under threat of imprisonment, making its use revolutionary. The ban was ultimately overturned by the Indian government upon independence in 1947.
State Emblem of India
  • The State Emblem of India is the national emblem of the Republic of India and is used by the union government, many state governments, and other government agencies. The emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, an ancient sculpture originally erected at the Sarnath, dating back to 280 BCE during the Maurya Empire.
  • It became the emblem of the Dominion of India in December 1947. The emblem was adopted by the Government of India on January 26, 1950, the same day that India became a republic.
  • The emblem features four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolizing power, courage, confidence, and faith. The lions are mounted on a circular abacus and the abacus is mounted on a lotus. The wheel of the law, Dharmachakra, is in the center of the abacus. The wheel has 24 spokes, which symbolize the progress and evolution of human civilization.

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Peace Agreements of Assam & Northeast states – APSC Polity Notes

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Peace Agreements of Assam & Northeast states

Assam Polity Notes for APSC, UPSC and other state exams

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North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act 1971- Assamexam

Karbi-Anglong Peace Agreement

Karbi-Anglong Peace Agreement is a tripartite agreement among five insurgent groups of Assam, the Centre and the state government. This agreement is in synergy with the vision of Insurgency free prosperous North East, that envisages all-round development of northeast, peace and prosperity.

Highlights of the Karbi-Anglong Peace Agreement:

  • Karbi Outfits Surrendered: 5 militant organizations (KLNLF, PDCK, UPLA, KPLT and KLF) laid down arms and more than 1000 of their armed cadres have given up violence and joined the mainstream of society.

  • Special Development Package: A special development package of Rs. 1000 crore will be allocated over five years by the Central Government and the Assam Government to take up special projects for the development of Karbi areas.

  • More Autonomy to KAAC: This agreement will transfer as much autonomy as possible in exercising their rights to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, without affecting the territorial and administrative integrity of Assam.

  • The Agreement proposes to give more legislative, executive, administrative and financial powers to the KAAC.

  • Rehabilitation: A provision has been made in this agreement to rehabilitate the cadres of armed groups.

  • Development of Local People: The Government of Assam will set up a Karbi Welfare Council to focus on the development of the Karbi people living outside the KAAC area.

  • The Agreement will ensure the protection of the culture, identity, language, etc. of the Karbi people and all-round development of the region.

  • The Consolidated Fund of the State will be amended to meet the resources of the KAAC.



Some of the Peace Agreements related to Assam and Northeast:

NLFT Tripura Agreement, 2019:

  • National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 since 1997 and has been involved in violence, operating from their camps across the international border.

  • NLFT signed a Memorandum of Settlement on 10th of August, 2019 with the Government of India and Tripura.

  • A Special Economic Development Package (SEDP) of Rs.100 crore has been offered by the Government of India for a period of five years.

Bru Accord, 2020:

  • Bru or Reang is a community indigenous to Northeast India, living mostly in Tripura, Mizoram and Assam. In Tripura, they are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.

  • In Mizoram, they have been targeted by groups that do not consider them indigenous to the state.

  • In 1997, following ethnic clashes, nearly 37,000 Brus fled Mizoram and were accommodated in relief camps in Tripura.

  • Permanent settlement of 6959 Bru families in Tripura with a financial package has been agreed between the Government of India, Tripura and Mizoram with representatives of Bru migrants.

Bodo Peace Accord:

  • Bodos are the single largest community among the notified Scheduled Tribes in Assam. They have been demanding a Bodo state since 1967-68.

  • In 2020, the Government of India, Government of Assam and representatives of Bodo groups signed an agreement, wherein the Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) was redrawn and renamed as the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), in Assam.

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APSC Mains 2020 Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) Paper I

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APSC Mains 2020 Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) Paper I

145 Marks from Adhikary Education’s APSC Mains Test Series 2020 – PSIR

145 marks worth Questions were asked in APSC CCE (Main) 2020 – Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) Paper 1 which were asked in our APSC Mains Test Series 2020 (Pol. Sc. Optional). This is a testimony to our continuous efforts to provide the best quality materials for the APSC Prelims and Mains Exam 2020 to assist better preparation of the aspirants. 

APSC CCE (Main) 2020 Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) - Paper I

Section-A

Q1. Comment on the following in about: 150 words each:   10×5=50

(a) Neo-liberal critique of welfare State.
Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 1: Q18

(b) Universalism and cultural relativism in human rights

(c) Sri Aurobindo’s views on cultural nationalism

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 1: Q4

(d) Aristotle’s theory of revolution

(e) Limits of representative democracy

Q2. (a) Explain John Locke’s concept of natural rights as a limitation or the power of the government. 20

(b) Explain the communitarian critique of the Rawls theory of justice.    15

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 1: Q9

(c) Discuss feminist theory of the State Advanced Studies. 15

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 1: Q14

Q3. (a) Bring out the major similarities and differences in the thought of Gandhi and Ambedkar on the questions of caste and modernity. 20

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 1: Q6 partial

(b) Examine the relationship between power, authority and legitimacy. 15

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series  Test 1: Q13 partial

(c) Explain Gramsci’s concept of hegemony. 15

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 1: Q10

Q4. (a) Discuss the recent trends in Marxist understanding of domination and exploitation in capitalist society. 20

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 3: Q1 partial

(b) Discuss Hannah Arendt’s views on the origin of totalitarianism. 15

(c) Explicate Plato’s theory of ideal State with special reference to his views on the rule of philosopher king. 15

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 3: Q3

Section-B

Q5. Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

(a) Significance of public interest litigation (PIL) in Indian justice delivery system

(b) The Armed Forces Special Powers Act and civil liberties

(c) Role of the President in the working of the Parliamentary system of the Government in India

(d) Significance of 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution of India

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 3: Q10 partial

(e) Marxist perspective on Indian National Movement

Q6. (a) “In attaining our ideals, our means should be as pure as the end.” Discuss the statement in connection with the Indian Freedom Struggle. 20

(b) Evaluate the success of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections. 15

(c) Examine the Gandhian perspective of development and its relevance in the present context. 15

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 3: Q9 indirect

Q7. (a) “Indian politics is both coalitional and regionalized.” Discuss the contemporary trends in Indian party system in the light of the above statement. 20

(b) Discuss the role of caste in Indian politics with special reference to the views of Rajni Kothari. 15

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 5: Q3 partial

(c) “The nature of Indian federalism can be better understood in terms of its actual operation..” Comment. 15

Question from our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series Test 1: Q7 & Test 3: Q4

Q8. (a) Discuss the debate over updation of the National Register of Citizens and Citizenship (Amer.dment) Act, 2019 in the context of Assam. 20

(b) Explain the response of Indian State in handling the COVID 19 pandemic. 15

(c) Examine the role of the Indian Parliament in the era of coalition politics. 15

 

A total of questions worth 145 Marks in APSC CC(Mains) Exam 2020 – Polity Paper 1, were matched with the questions of our APSC Mains Political Science Test Series.

Article 371 (A), (B), (C), (F), (G) & (H) Special status for Northeast states – Assam/Northeast Notes

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Article 371 (A), (B), (C), (F), (G) & (H) Special status for Northeast states – Assam/Northeast Notes

Assam Polity - Assamexam

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Six northeast India states of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh enjoy special provisions under Article 371 of Indian Constitution.

 

Article 371A for Nagaland

A makes special provision with respect to Nagaland to protect the rights of the tribal population. Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, no Act of Parliament in respect of-

(a) religious or social practices of the Nagas,

(b) Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law,

(c) ownership and transfer of land and its resources,

 

Article 371B for Assam:

Article 371B makes special provision with respect to the States of Assam.

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.

Read more – Article 371B of Indian Constitution

 

Article 371C for Manipur:

Article 371C of Constitution of India makes 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.

 

Article 371F for Sikkim:

Article 371F makes special provisions with respect to the State of Sikkim.

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution,—

(a) The Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim shall consist of not less than thirty members;

(b) As from the date of commencement of the Constitution (Thirty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1975;

(i) The Assembly for Sikkim formed as a result of the elections held in Sikkim in April, 1974 with thirty-two members elected in the said elections shall be deemed to be the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim duly constituted under this Constitution;

(ii) The sitting members shall be deemed to be the members of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim duly elected under this Constitution; and

(iii) The said Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim shall exercise the powers and perform the functions of the Legislative Assembly of a State under this Constitution;

(c) In the case of the Assembly deemed to be the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim under clause (b), the references to the period of five years, in clause (1) of article 172 shall be construed as references to a period of four years and the said period of four years shall be deemed to commence from the appointed day;

(d) Until other provisions are made by Parliament by law, there shall be allotted to the State of Sikkim one seat in the House of the People and the State of Sikkim shall form one parliamentary constituency to be called the parliamentary constituency for Sikkim;

(e) The representative of the State of Sikkim in the House of the People in existence on the appointed day shall be elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim;

(f) Parliament may, for the purpose of protecting the rights and interests of the different sections of the population of Sikkim make provision for the number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim which may be filled by candidates belonging to such sections and for the delimitation of the assembly constituencies from which candidates belonging to such sections alone may stand for election to the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim;

(g) The Governor of Sikkim shall have special responsibility for peace and for an equitable arrangement for ensuring the social and economic advancement of different sections of the population of Sikkim and in the discharge of his special responsibility under this clause, the Governor of Sikkim shall, subject to such directions as the President may, from time to time, deem fit to issue, act in his discretion;

(h) All property and assets which immediately before the appointed day were vested in the Government of Sikkim or in any other authority or in any person for the purposes of the Government of Sikkim shall, as from the appointed day, vest in the Government of the State of Sikkim;

(i) The High Court functioning as such immediately before the appointed day in the territories comprised in the State of Sikkim shall, on and from the appointed day, be deemed to be the High Court for the State of Sikkim;

(j) All courts of civil, criminal and revenue jurisdiction, all authorities and all officers, judicial, executive and ministerial, throughout the territory of the State of Sikkim shall continue on and from the appointed day to exercise their respective functions subject to the provisions of this Constitution;

(k) All laws in force immediately before the appointed day in the territories comprised in the State of Sikkim or any part thereof shall continue to be in force therein until amended or repealed by a competent Legislature or other competent authority;

(l) For the purpose of facilitating the application of any such law as is referred to in clause (k) in relation to the administration of the State of Sikkim and for the purpose of bringing the provisions of any such law into accord with the provisions of this Constitution, the President may, within two years from the appointed day, by order, make such adaptations and modifications of the law, whether by way of repeal or amendment, as may be necessary or expedient, and thereupon, every such law shall have effect subject to the adaptations and modifications so made, and any such adaptation or modification shall not be questioned in any court of law;

(m) Neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall have jurisdiction in respect of any dispute or other matter arising out of any treaty, agreement, engagement or other similar instrument relating to Sikkim which was entered into or executed before the appointed day and to which the Government of India or any of its predecessor Governments was a party, but nothing in this clause shall be construed to derogate from the provisions of article 143;

(n) The President may, by public notification, extend with such restrictions or modifications as he thinks fit to the State of Sikkim any enactment which is in force in a State in India at the date of the notification;

(o) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the foregoing provisions of this article, the President may, by order, do anything (including any adaptation or modification of any other article) which appears to him to be necessary for the purpose of removing that difficulty: Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of two years from the appointed day;

(p) All things done and all actions taken in or in relation to the State of Sikkim or the territories comprised therein during the period commencing on the appointed day and ending immediately before the date on which the Constitution (Thirty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1975, receives the assent of the President shall, in so far as they are in conformity with the provisions of this Constitution as amended by the Constitution (Thirty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1975, be deemed for all purposes to have been validly done or taken under this Constitution as so amended.

 

Article 371G for Mizoram:

Article 371G of Constitution of India makes special provision with respect to the state of Mizoram.

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution,-

(a) No Act of President in respect of –

(i) religious or social practices of the Mizos,

(ii) Mizo customary law and procedure,

(iii) administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Mizo customary law,

(iv) ownership and transfer of land, shall apply to the State of Mizoram unless the Legislative Assembly of the State of Mizoram by a resolution so decides:

Provided that nothing in this clause shall apply to any Central Act in force in the union territory of Mizoram immediately before the commencement of the Constitution (Fifty-third Amendment) Act, 1986;

(b) The Legislative Assembly of the State of Mizoram shall consist of not less than forty members.

 

Article 371H for Arunachal Pradesh:

Article 371H of Constitution of India makes special provision with respect to the State of Arunachal Pradesh.

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution,

(a) the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh shall have special responsibility with respect to law and order in the State of Arunachal Pradesh and in the discharge of his functions in relation thereto, the Governor shall, after consulting the Council of Ministers, exercise his individual judgment as to the action to be taken:

Provided that if any question arises whether any matter is or is not a matter as respects which the Governor is under this clause required to act in the exercise of his individual judgment, the decision of the Governor in his discretion shall be final, and the validity of anything done by the Governor shall not be called in question on the ground that he ought or ought not to have acted in the exercise of his individual judgment:

Provided further that if the President on receipt of a report from the Governor or otherwise is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the Governor to have special responsibility with respect to law and order in the State of Arunachal Pradesh, he may by order direct that the Governor shall cease to have such responsibility with effect from such date as may be specified in the order;

(b) The Legislative Assembly of the State of Arunachal Pradesh shall consist of not less than thirty members.

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Article 371B of Indian Constitution – Assam Polity Notes

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Article 371B of Indian Constition - Assam/Northeast Polity Notes

Assam Polity - Assamexam

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The six states in the northeast, namely Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh enjoy special provisions under Article 371.

Article 371B in the Constitution Of India 1949, added by the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1969, is with regards to the special provision with respect to Assam. Under this Article, the President is empowered to provide for the creation of a committee of the Assam Legislative Assembly consisting of members elected from the Tribal Areas of the state and such other members as he may specify. 

The Article 371B: State of Assam 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.

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Salient features of the Constituent Assembly – APSC Exam Notes

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Salient features of the Constituent Assembly

Indian Polity Notes APSC, UPSC and State Exam Notes

The Constituent Assembly of India sat for the first time on December 9, 1946, deciding on its national flag, national insignia, national anthem; and ultimately adoption of the Constitution which made our country a democratic republic.

 

Important Features of Indian Constituent Assembly
  • The Constituent Assembly of India came into existence as per the provisions of Cabinet Mission Plan of May 1946, to formulate the Constitution of India for facilitating appropriate transfer of sovereign power from British authorities to Indian hands.
  • The Assembly was to have proportional representation from existing provincial legislatures and from various princely states.
  • The Assembly was to have three sections: Punjab & North-West, Bengal-Assam and Rest of India. The Constitutions were to be formulated for Indian Union, each Section and for each of the Provinces therein. The Muslim League won most of the 80 Muslim seats and dominated two smaller Sections, chose not to participate so the Assembly never convened separately in sections.
  • The Constituent Assembly held 12 sessions, or rounds of sittings:
  1. December 9-23, 1946,
  2. January 20- 25, 1947,
  3. April 28- May 2, 1947,
  4. July 14- 31, 1947,
  5. August 14- 30, 1947,
  6. January 27, 1948,
  7. November 4, 1948-January 8, 1949,
  8. May 16- June 16, 1949,
  9. July 30-September 18, 1949,
  10. October 6-17, 1949,
  11. November 4-26, 1949,
  12. January 24, 1950.
  • Biggest change in membership was caused by the declaration of Partition of India. Certain members like Dr. Ambedkar, who were elected from territories assigned to Dominion of Pakistan, lost their seats. After initial disinterest, the princely states started negotiating with a committee of the Assembly for their representation. Over a period, hundreds of princely states were grouped into larger associations and provisions were made for them to elect their representatives to the Assembly. Hyderabad did not send any representative till the end. Maximum membership towards the end of tenure of Assembly was 307.

 

Some of the important Organisational Committees are
  1. Rules of Procedure Committee (appointed on December 11, 1946. 15 members, Chairperson- Rajendra Prasad, ex-officio. Worked till 20 Dec. 1946)
  2. Steering Committee (appointed on January 21, 1947. 19 members, Chairperson- Rajendra Prasad, ex-officio)
  3. Staff and Finance Committee (appointed on December 23, 1946. 11 members, Chairperson- Rajendra Prasad, ex-officio)
  4. Credentials Committee (appointed on December 23, 1946. 5 members, Chairperson- A.K. Ayyar.
  5. Order of Business Committee (appointed on January 25, 1947. 3 members, Chairperson- K.M. Munshi)
  6. States (Negotiating) Committee (appointed on December 21, 1946. 6 members, Chairperson- J.L. Nehru)
  7. Flag Committee (appointed on June 23, 1947. 12 members, Chairperson- Rajendra Prasad, ex-officio)
  8. Committee on Functions of Constituent Assembly, under the Indian Independence Act (appointed on August 20, 1947. 7 members, Chairperson- G.V. Mavlankar)

Principal Committees and their sub-committees
  • Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities, Tribal Areas and Excluded Areas (appointed on 24 Jan. 1947. 57 members, Chairperson- Sardar Patel)
  • Union Powers Committee (appointed on 25 Jan, 1947. 12 members, Chairperson- J.L. Nehru)
  • Union Constitution Committee (appointed on 4 May. 1947. 12 members, Chairperson- J.L. Nehru)
  • Provincial Constitution Committee (appointed on 4 May. 1947. 21 members, Chairperson- Sardar Patel)
  • Drafting Committee (appointed on 29 Aug. 1947. 8 members, Chairperson- Dr. Ambedkar)

 

Other Sectoral Committees
  • Ad-hoc Committee on Citizenship (appointed on 30 April, 1947. 7 members, Chairperson- S. Varadachariar)
  • Committee on Chief Commissioner’s Provinces (appointed on 31 July, 1947. 7 members, Chairperson- N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar)
  • Experts Committee on Financial Provisions of Constitution (appointed in Nov. 1947. 3 members, Chairperson- N.R. Sarkar)
  • Sub-Committee on Minority safeguards for West Bengal and East Punjab (appointed on 24 Feb. 1948. 5 members, Chairperson- Sardar Patel)

Rajendra Prasad was the elected President of Constituent Assembly while VT Krishnamachari and HC Mookerji served as Vice-Presidents.

HVR Iyengar was the secretary general of the Assembly, and SN Mukherji was the Chief Draftsman.

After authentication of copies of the Constitution, the Constituent Assembly got naturally dissolved with its Chairperson having been elected the President of India.

The Assembly continued functioning as provisional Parliament of India till first general elections were held. The first amendment to the Constitution of India was made by this provisional Parliament in the summer of 1951.

 

Preparation of Memorandum

1. Dissemination of Constitutional Advisor’s Brief & Questionnaire (September 1946-November 1947)

B N Rau was appointed Constitutional Advisor by the-then Viceroy Lord Wavell to head the Constituent Assembly Secretariat sometime in late July 1946. He had retired from civil service in January 1944 but remained active. He offered his honorary services to the Viceroy, which was accepted most probably due to his stint in Reforms Office soon after the enactment of Govt. of India Act, 1935.

2. Preparation of Memorandum by the Advisor based on responses; Submission of notes by certain members (February-November 1947)

Based on responses to his briefs and questionnaire, Rau prepared his Memorandum which included blueprints of probable provisions of impending constitution.

3. Deliberations in Principal Committees, including joint and sub-committees, and their Reports (February-August 1947)

In the second session of Assembly, its Chairman constituted four principal committees: Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal Areas & Excluded Areas, Provincial Constitution Committee, Union Constitution Committee and Union Powers Committee. Of these committees, first two were chaired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel while the latter two were chaired by Nehru. Most of these committees appointed their sub-committees for more focused work on particular segment. Two or three of these committees also sat jointly to consider matters lying in overlapping zones of consideration.

4. Working of Constituent Assembly, including nomination of acting President, election of regular President and formation of operational committees was decided by an unofficial Experts’ Committee of Congress in July-August 1946. It was this committee which prepared the draft of Objective Resolution which was moved in the first session by Nehru.

5. Discussion on Reports in Constituent Assembly and adoption of principles (April-Aug. 1947)

The Assembly discussed the reports of principal committees in detail and adopted the principles therein.

 

Objective Resolution
  • Objectives Resolution was introduced by Jawahar Lal Nehru on 13th December 1946 in the Constituent Assembly. This Resolution was unanimously adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22 January 1947 as the Preamble to the Indian Constitution.
  • It laid down the fundamentals and philosophy of the constitutional structure. It provided the foundation for India’s Constitution, which institutionalized the essential values of equality, liberty, democracy, sovereignty, and cosmopolitan identity.
  • The Objective Resolution forms the basis of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. Preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. 
  • The objective of the Preamble  is to secure justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation.

State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) – Indian Polity Notes for APSC Exam

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State Legislative Council or Vidhan Parishad

Polity Notes for APSC, UPSC & State exams

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India follows a bicameral system at both the centre and state level. Under this system, the state’s legislature is divided into two parts – Legislative Assembly or Vidhan Sabha and Legislative Council or Vidhan Parishad.

Members of the Legislative Assembly are directly elected by the people through assembly elections. Vidhan Parishad or Legislative Council is a permanent body, which can be formed or abolished when the Legislative Assembly passes a special resolution.

The Legislative Council is the upper house of the state. Its establishment is defined in Article 168 of the Constitution of India.

As of January 2020, 6 out of 28 states have a State Legislative Council. The states with bicameral legislature include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. These states have both the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly.

Eligibility to be a member of State Legislative Council

To become a member of a State Legislative Council (MLC), a person must be a citizen of India, at least 30 years old, mentally sound, not an insolvent, and must be enrolled on the voters’ list of the state for which he or she is contesting an election. He or she may not be a Member of Parliament and Member of the State Legislative Assembly at the same time.

Tenure of Members

The tenure of the MLCs are six years. One-third of the members of State Legislative Council retire after every two years.

Member Composition

The size of the State Legislative Council cannot be more than one third of the membership of the State Legislative Assembly. However, its size cannot be less than 40 members.

MLCs are chosen in the following manner

  • One third are elected by the members of local bodies such as municipalities, Gram panchayats, Panchayat samitis and district councils.

  • One third are elected by the members of Legislative Assembly of the State from among the persons who are not members of the State Legislative Assembly.

  • One sixth are nominated by the Governor from persons having knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, arts, the co-operative movement and social services.

  • One twelfth are elected by persons who are graduates of three years’ standing residing in that state.

  • One twelfth are elected by teachers who had spent at least three years in teaching in educational institutions within the state not lower than secondary schools, including colleges and universities.



Role of State Legislative Council
The State Legislative Council also have no role in the passing of money bills. But some of the powers it has is that the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the State Legislative Council enjoy the same status of Cabinet Ministers in the state.



Difference between the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council

  • The term of the Legislative Assembly is five years unless it is dissolved earlier on the request of the chief minister. The tenure of the members of the council is six years, and a third of the members of the House retire after every two years.

  • Legislative Assembly is the lower house, much like the Lok Sabha of the Parliament. Legislative Council is the upper house in the state and like the Rajya Sabha, it is a permanent House.



Assam Legislative Council

The Assam Legislative Council was the unicameral legislature of Assam in India from 1913 to 1935 and then the upper house of the bicameral legislature from 1935 to 1947, when it was abolished by the India (Provincial Legislatures) Order, 1947.

 

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Parliamentary System in India – Polity Notes for APSC Exam

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Parliamentary System in India

Polity Notes for APSC, UPSC & State exams

 

Go to Indian Polity Notes                                                Go to GS – Polity Section Notes

 

The democratic system of government can be parliamentary like India or presidential system like US, based on the relationship between the executive and the legislature.

  • In a parliamentary system, executive is a part of legislature, which implements the law and plays an active role in framing it as well.
  • The head of the state may be a monarch or a president, but these positions are ceremonial. The de-facto head of the government is generally called as the Prime Minister, for all the real executive powers are vested upon him/her.
  • This type of govt system is also called as the Cabinet government due to concentration of executive powers in the cabinet.
  • Articles 74 and 75 of India Constitution deals with the parliamentary system at the centre.
  • Article 163 and 164 deals with the Parliamentary system at the states.

APSC Prelims 2020 Test Series

Important Features of the Parliamentary System

  1. Nominal and Real Head: The head of the state holds a ceremonial position and is the nominal executive. For example, the President.
  2. Close relationship between the legislature and the executive: Prime Minister along with the Council of Ministers form the executive and the Parliament is the legislature. The PM and the ministers are elected from the members of parliament, implying that the executive emerges out of the legislature.
  3. Executive responsible to the legislature: The executive is responsible to the legislature. There is a collective responsibility, that is, each minister’s responsibility is the responsibility of the whole Council.
  4. Majority Party Rule: The party which wins majority seats in the elections of the Lower House forms the government. In India, the President invites the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha to form the government. The President appoints the leader as the Prime Minister and the other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President may invite a coalition of parties to form the government, in case, no party has got majority.
  5. Collective Responsibility: The council of ministers are collectively responsible to the parliament. The lower house of parliament has an ability to dismiss a government by getting the no confidence motion passed in the house. In India, the government survives till the time it enjoys support of the majority of members in the Lok Sabha. Thus, Lok Sabha is empowered to introduce no-confidence motion against the government.
  6. Prime Minister as the Centre of Power: In India, the Prime Minister is the real executive. He is the head of the government, the council of ministers and the ruling government. Thus, he has to play a significant and important role in the working of the government.
  7. A Parliamentary Opposition: No government in the parliament can get hundred percent majority. The opposition plays an important role in checking the arbitrary use of authority by the political executive.
  8. Independent Civil Service: The civil servants advice and implement decisions of the government. Civil servants hold permanent appointments based on merit-based selection process. They ensure continuity of employment even when the government changes. The civil service also ensures efficiency in execution of duties and responsibilities.
  9. Bicameral Legislature: Most of the countries following parliamentary system, including India, have bicameral legislature. The members of the Lower House of all these countries are elected by the people. The Lower House can be dissolved, in case, the term of the government is over or there is no scope of government formation due to lack of majority in house. In India, the President can dissolve the Lok Sabha on recommendation of the Prime Minister.
  10. Secrecy: The members of the executive in this system have to follow the principle of secrecy in matters such as proceedings, executive meetings, policymaking etc. In India, the ministers take oath of secrecy before entering their office.

 

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