Question

With respect to Article 371A of the Constitution of India, the Governor of which of the following States has special responsibility with respect to law and order of the state?
a)Assam
b)Manipur
c)Nagaland
d)Andhra Pradesh

Answer 1

Hint: India is a federal country which has made various provisions to ensure that the needs of its constituting units are properly met. Article 371 to 371 J of the constitution has provided for special provisions for twelve states. These were created for reasons like taking care of socio-economic needs of the state, preserving their culture and heritage or to deal with law and order situations in disturbed areas.

Complete Answer: Part XXI of the constitution has special provisions for many states. These twelve states also include all the options that have been given to us.
Option (a ) Assam is covered under article 371-B by which the President is given the authority to create a committee of the Assam Legislative Assembly consisting of the members elected from the Tribal Areas of the state and such other members as he may specify.
Option (b ) Manipur is covered under article 371-C by which the President can create a committee in Manipur Legislative Assembly consisting of the members elected from the Hill areas of the state. He can ask the Governor to manage the administration of this committee and the Governor has to submit a report to the President regarding administration of Hill areas. Article 371-C also allows the Central Government to give direction to the state government regarding administration of Hill areas.
Option (d ) Andhra Pradesh is covered under Article 371-D and 371-E by which the President can make provisions for equitable opportunity in employment and education for people belonging to different parts of the state.
However , article 371 A was added by 13th Constitutional Amendment Act and has special provisions for the state of Nagaland. This article bestows the Governor special responsibility for law and order in the state. The Governor consults with the Council of Minister and the decision then made by him regarding law and order of the state is considered final.
This act also states that no act of the Parliament on Naga social practices, customary law and ownership of land and transfer of resources would apply to the state unless the state’s legislative assembly approves it.

Therefore the correct option is (c ) Nagaland.

Note: One should not confuse 371-A with 371-F which has special provisions for Sikkim, 371-G which has special provisions for the state of Mizoram and 371-H which has provisions for the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Another important fact regarding this is that Nagas within Nagaland don’t have to pay income tax on income generated within the state. Entry of people from rest of India(and foreigners) into Nagaland is regulated under Inner line permit system.