1st Schedule of Indian Constitution: Schedule 1 of the Indian Constitution provides information about the states and union territories, including their boundaries and territorial limits. The first Schedule to the Indian Constitution outlines India’s states and union territories, any modifications to their borders, and the laws that were used to effect those changes. It specifically addresses Articles 1 and 4.
It denotes the limits of the power relations between the states and UTs indirectly. Originally approved in 1950 along with the Indian Constitution, the First Schedule has been revised 27 times since then, most recently in 2019 to incorporate Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as union territories.
In this article, we will read about the 1st Schedule of the Indian Constitution, its drafting, history, provisions, and amendments.
Table of Content
- What is the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution?
- Historical Context of the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
- Provisions under the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
- Amendments in the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
- Articles under 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
- Why is the 1st Schedule Important?
- Impact of 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
What is the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution?
The 1st schedule of the Indian Constitution is a list of states and union territories. It also defines the administrative and political boundaries of the states. This schedule also decides the number of seats to be allocated in Lok Sabha based on the population and size of the states. It also mentions special provisions like Article 371 which addresses the regional-specific concerts. The schedule has gone through some historical changes, amendments, and debates making it an important part of the constitution.
Historical Context of the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
While discussing the draft of the first schedule of the constitution on 14 and 15 October 1949 the chairman Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar proposed an amendment to update the articles under the schedule. However, the president of the constituent assembly rejected the said amendment stating that the transfer of territories between states, the creation of new states, and the removal of old states could complicate the making of the constitution and emphasized focusing on existing territories.
Even Though many members raised concerns regarding some mattress-like status of princely states, the president maintained the discussion on delimitation and stated the fact that correction of state boundaries should be done only after the constitution is enforced. The First schedule was eventually adopted on October 15, 1949. It solidified the framework of union territories and the states of independent India.
Provisions under the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
The first schedule of the Indian constitution includes the list of various states. Each of these includes acts defining the boundaries of states like the Andhra Pradesh State Act (1953) for the state of Andhra Pradesh and the State Reorganisation Act (1956). Also similar legislations were made for states like Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Nagaland, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Uttrakhand, Jharkhand, and Telangana.
The Schedule also includes a list of union territories added through various acts and provisions some before the commencement of the constitution and some after. Following is a list of union territories mentioned in the first schedule:
- Delhi: Delhi was originally part of the chief commissioner’s province of Delhi before the enforcement of the constitution.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The region was under the chief commissioner’s province of Andaman and Nicobar Island before the commencement of the constitution.
- Lakshadweep: Area is described in section 6 of the State Reorganisation Act 1956.
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: They were part of the free territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli before 11 August 1961. The area was specified in section 4 of the Goa, Daman, and Diu Reorganisation act.
- Puducherry: French establishments in India including Karikal, Yanam, Mahe, and Pondicherry before 16 August 1962.
- Chandigarh: It is specified in the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966 section 4.
- Jammu and Kashmir: Specified in section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Organisation Act 2019.
- Ladakh: Also specified in the Jammu and Kashmir Organisation Act 2019.
Amendments in the 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
The First Schedule has been amended many times based on reorganisation. Here are some relevant amendments made to the 1st schedule:
- 7th Amendment 1956: Reorganisation of states based on language. Union territories were introduced.
- 9th Amendment 1960: Settled dispute with Pakistan through small modification to union territory.
- 10th Amendment 1961: Dadra and Nagar Haveli became a union territory.
- 12th Amendment 1961: Goa, Daman, and Diu became Union territories.
- 14th Amendment 1962: Pondicherry became a union territory.
- 36th Amendment 1975: Sikkim was recognized as a state.
- 100th Amendment 2015: Certain territories were exchanged with Bangladesh through the signing of the Land Boundary Agreement.
The latest Amendment added to this list of amendments was the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 which added Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to the list of union territories.
Articles under 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
There are four articles under the 1st schedule. Let’s discuss them in detail:
Article 1
Article 1 mentions:
- Name of the territory of the Union.
- India that is Bharat, shall be the union of state.
- The states and territories therefore shall be specified in the first schedule.
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The territory of India shall comprise:
- the territories of the States;
- the Union territories specified in the First Schedule; and
- such other territories as may be acquired.
Article 2
Article 2 mentions:
- The parliament by law has the authority to allow the creation of new states in the country. It can also set terms and conditions for the establishment of new states as they seem necessary.
Article 3
Article 3 states:
- The parliament can decide the formation of new states, adjust their sizes, alter their boundaries, and change the name of the states by law.
Article 4
Article 4 states:
- Laws made under Article 2 or Article 3 can modify the 1st and 4th schedules. It is important to keep in mind that such laws must be considered as changing the constitution under Article 368 or affecting Part II related to citizenship.
Why is the 1st Schedule Important?
The First schedule is important as it decides the number of Lok Sabha seats to be allocated according to the size and population of the state and union territory. It makes sure that every region in the country is represented fairly. It is like a guidebook on how our country is organized and helps everyone to know how the government works.
Impact of 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
The First Schedule is important as it decides the number of Rajya Sabha seats to be allocated according to the size and population of the state and union territory. It makes sure that every region in the country is represented fairly. It is like a guidebook on how our country is organised and helps everyone to know how the government works. Presently the relevance of 1st schedule holds great importance in the principles of democracy by ensuring promotional representation in the Rajya Sabha. It allows different regions to have voice in the parliament. This becomes important in addressing problems of various states. Therefore the 1st schedule remains a vital part used in shaping a balance governance structure.
Conclusion – 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
The first schedule of the constitution of India is important and contains the list of states and union territories. It also mentions their administrative and legal boundaries which help in the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha. The drafting process of 1st schedule involved significant debates in the constituent assembly. The first schedule is shaped by major historical changes and amendments like the State Reorganisation Act. Different amendments introduced through various acts modified the list of states and union territories. This reflects the changing geopolitical landscape of India.
The First schedule defines the political and administrative framework of the country which also plays a vital role in the amendments introduced due to changing circumstances. The recent addition to such amendments is the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 which is an example of the dynamic nature of the first schedule.
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FAQs on 1st Schedule of Indian Constitution
What is the 1st Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
The 1st schedule of the Indian Constitution is a list of states and union territories. It also defines the administrative and political boundaries of the states.
What is the importance of the 1st Schedule?
The First schedule is important as it decides the number of Lok sabha seats to be allocated according to the size and population of the state and union territory. It makes sure that every region in the country is represented fairly. It is like a guidebook on how our country is organised and helps everyone to know how the government works.
Write two amendments made in the 1st schedule.
The First Schedule has been amended many times based on reorganisation. Here are some relevant amendments made to the 1st schedule,
- 7th Amendment 1956- reorganisation of stations based on language. Union territories were introduced.
- 9th Amendment 1960- settled dispute with Pakistan through small modification to union territory.
What are Articles 2 and 3 under the 1st schedule?
Article 2: The parliament by law has the authority to allow the creation of new states in the country. It can also set terms and conditions for the establishment of new states as they seem necessary.
Article 3: The parliament can decide the formation of new states, adjust their sizes, alter their boundaries, and change the name of the states by law.
What is the latest amendment made to the 1st schedule?
The latest Amendment added to this list of amendments was the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 which added Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to the list of union territories.
What does the 1st Schedule of the Indian Constitution related to?
1st Schedule of the Indian Constitution is related to Allocation of Rajya Sabha seats among states and union territories.
How is the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha determined in the 1st Schedule?
Specifies seat allocation based on factors like population and representation.
Can the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha be changed?
Yes, through a constitutional amendment with special majority approval.
What is the significance of the 1st Schedule in India’s federal structure?
Reflects federalism by allocating Rajya Sabha seats to states and union territories.
How does the 1st Schedule impact political dynamics in India?
Influences political alliances by determining state and union territory representation in the Rajya Sabha.