Question

In which of the following lists of the Indian Constitution is the subject matter of population control and family planning included?
A.Union List
B.Concurrent List
C.State List
D.Residuary List

Answer 1

Hint: India is often referred to as a quasi-federation which means that it has features of both a federation and a union. The federal arrangement created by the Constitution meets the basic normative requirements of federalism. At the same time, it also has certain specific additional and unitary features that make Indian federalism unique. There is a clear cut well-defined division of powers between the Union and state-level governments. This division of power is mentioned in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution which contains three lists with legislative subjects: Union List, State List and Concurrent List.

Complete Step by Step answer: Option A: is incorrect. The Union Parliament has exclusive right to legislate on those items mentioned in the Union or Federal List. The Union List has 97 numbered topics, however, population control and family planning are not one of them.
Option B: is correct. Both the Parliament and state legislatures can legislate on items mentioned in the Concurrent List. The Concurrent List has 47 numbered topics and population control and family planning are one of them. It is listed as item 20A under economic and social planning.
Option C: is incorrect. The state legislatures have the exclusive right to legislate on items in the State List and there are 66 numbered topics on the State List. Population control and family planning are not included in the State List.
Option D: is incorrect. The subjects which are not included in either of the three lists are known as residuary powers and only the Union Parliament has the right to legislate upon such subjects. Population control and family planning is not a residuary power.

Note: In the 42nd Constitutional Amendment of 1976, five topics were moved from the State List to the Concurrent List.