ARTICLE 371 OF THE CONSTITUTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - Polity)

Context: The Supreme Court accepted the Centre’s assurance that it does not intend to “touch” the special constitutional provisions protecting the interests of the people of the northeastern States.

• Northeastern states of India have expressed apprehension that having rendered Article 370 irrelevant, the government might unilaterally move to abrogate or modify Article 371.

Special provisions for twelve states

• Part XXI of the Constitution of India is a compilation of laws pertaining to the constitution of India as a country and the union of states that it is made of. 
• This part of the constitution consists of Articles on Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions
• Articles 371 to 371-J in Part XXI of the Constitution of India contain special provisions for twelve states.
• Article 371 of the Constitution guarantees protection of the cultural and economic interests, as well as ensures the rule of law, for the people of 12 States, including Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur.
• Originally, the constitution did not make any special provisions for these states. 
• They have been incorporated by the various subsequent amendments made in the context of reorganisation of the states or conferment of statehood on the Union Territories.