Article 371 special provisions
In one line: Articles 371 to 371J are special provisions for particular States, protecting regional interests, customs or development needs without changing their status as States.
What the series covers
Article 371 itself covers Maharashtra and Gujarat (development boards). Article 371A protects Naga religious and social practices, customary law and land: no Act of Parliament on these applies to Nagaland unless its Assembly decides so. Article 371G does the same for Mizoram. Others cover Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka. In all, 12 States are covered.
Why it is in the news
On 9 September 2026 the MHA proposed a new Article 371(K) for Ladakh, giving a UT-level elected body powers over land, culture, forests and the environment. It would be the first such provision for a Union Territory and would need a constitutional amendment.
Where to go next
- Sixth Schedule
- Article 240 and presidential regulations
Article 371 special provisions in the news
- Ladakh sets 4 December polls for eight hill councils amid a Kargil shutdown 11 November 2026
The scaled-down safeguard now on the table.
- Centre's Ladakh framework gives the L-G final authority over laws of a new elected body 21 October 2026
The series the Centre wants to extend with Article 371(K)
Previous-year questions on this
- 2026 · GS2 · 15 marks How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute…
- 2026 · GS3 · 10 marks Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic…
- 2022 · GS2 · 10 marks To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?
- 2015 · Prelims The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes (b) determine the boundaries between States (c)…