With respect to Article 371A of the Constitution of India, the Governor of which one of the following States has special responsibility with respect to law and order of the State ?

1. Asymmetric Federalism in India (basic)

In a standard federal system, all sub-units (states) typically enjoy equal powers and share an identical relationship with the central government. This is known as symmetrical federalism, famously seen in the United States. However, India follows a model of Asymmetric Federalism. This means that while the Constitution creates a strong central government with a "unitary bias," it also provides constitutionally embedded differences in the legal status and prerogatives of different states to meet specific historical, social, or geographical needs Indian Constitution at Work (NCERT Class XI), The Philosophy of the Constitution, p.232.

The root of this asymmetry lies in Part XXI of the Constitution, covering Articles 371 to 371-J. These provisions were not part of the original Constitution but were added through various amendments to facilitate the reorganization of states or to settle regional aspirations. For instance, Article 371A (added by the 13th Amendment Act, 1962) provides special protections for Nagaland. A key feature here is that the Governor of Nagaland has a special responsibility regarding law and order as long as internal disturbances continue, allowing them to exercise individual judgment after consulting the Council of Ministers Indian Polity (Laxmikanth), Special Provisions for Some States, p.560.

Why does India embrace such "inequality" among states? It is a pragmatic compromise. By granting special status to states like Assam, Nagaland, or Mizoram, the Constitution protects the land rights of indigenous peoples, preserves their unique cultures, and ensures preferential employment Democratic Politics-II (NCERT Class X), Federalism, p.17. As the scholar Granville Austin noted, Indian federalism is a form of "cooperative federalism" designed to produce a strong central authority while remaining flexible enough to maintain national unity amidst immense diversity Introduction to the Constitution of India (D.D. Basu), Nature of the Federal System, p.67.

Feature	Symmetrical Federalism (e.g., USA)	Asymmetric Federalism (e.g., India)
State Status	All states have equal constitutional powers.	Some states have special powers/protections.
Purpose	Uniformity across the federation.	Accommodating diversity and regional aspirations.
Constitutional Basis	General federal principles.	Specific Articles (e.g., 371 to 371-J).

Sources: Indian Constitution at Work (NCERT Class XI), The Philosophy of the Constitution, p.232; Indian Polity (Laxmikanth), Special Provisions for Some States, p.560; Democratic Politics-II (NCERT Class X), Federalism, p.17; Introduction to the Constitution of India (D.D. Basu), Nature of the Federal System, p.67

2. Overview of Part XXI: Special Provisions (basic)

To understand the Indian Constitution’s flexibility, we must look at Part XXI, titled 'Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions' (Articles 369 to 392). While India is a federation, it does not treat every state with a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Instead, it practices asymmetric federalism, where certain states are granted special powers or protections to address historical imbalances, protect unique tribal cultures, or maintain law and order in sensitive border regions Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.), Chapter 77, p. 556. These provisions can be broadly classified into Protective (safeguarding indigenous customs) and Developmental (creating special boards for backward regions).

The most prominent examples are found in Articles 371 to 371-J. For instance, while Article 371 provides for special development boards in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Article 371A (Nagaland) and Article 371G (Mizoram) go much further by protecting local religious and social practices from parliamentary interference unless the State Legislature agrees Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.), Nature of the Federal System, p. 64. This ensures that the diverse 'threads' of the Indian fabric remain intact even while being part of a strong Union.

A unique feature of these provisions is the enhanced role of the Governor. In states like Nagaland (Article 371A) and Arunachal Pradesh (Article 371H), the Governor is given 'special responsibility' regarding law and order. In this capacity, the Governor is required to consult the Council of Ministers but can ultimately exercise individual judgment Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.), Chapter 77, p. 560. This is a significant departure from the standard constitutional rule where the Governor must strictly act on the 'aid and advice' of the ministers.

Article	State Focus	Primary Intent
371A	Nagaland	Protection of Naga customs; Governor's responsibility for law and order.
371B & 371C	Assam & Manipur	Creation of committee of the Legislative Assembly for tribal/hill areas.
371-D & 371E	Andhra/Telangana	Equitable opportunities in education and public employment.
371-J	Karnataka	Developmental provisions for the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

Sources: Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.), Chapter 77: Special Provisions for Some States, p.556; Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.), Nature of the Federal System, p.64; Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.), Chapter 77: Special Provisions for Some States, p.560

3. The Governor's Special Responsibilities (intermediate)

In the Indian constitutional framework, the Governor usually functions as a nominal executive, acting on the 'aid and advice' of the Council of Ministers. However, the Constitution carves out a unique middle ground known as 'Special Responsibilities.' Unlike Constitutional Discretion (where the Governor acts entirely on their own) or standard functions (where they must follow the Cabinet), 'Special Responsibility' implies that the Governor must consult the Council of Ministers but will exercise individual judgment to take the final decision Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, State Council of Ministers, p.330. These responsibilities are primarily found in the Special Provisions for certain states under Articles 371 to 371-J. These were often inserted through Constitutional Amendments to address specific regional requirements, such as internal security or developmental imbalances. For example, under Article 371A (Nagaland) and Article 371H (Arunachal Pradesh), the Governor has a special responsibility regarding law and order. As long as internal disturbances persist, the Governor's decision in these matters is final and cannot be questioned in court Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu, The State Executive, p.275.

The following table summarizes the key states where the Governor holds these specific 'Individual Judgment' powers:

Article	State	Nature of Special Responsibility
371	Maharashtra & Gujarat	Establishment of separate development boards for regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Saurashtra.
371A	Nagaland	Maintenance of law and order (so long as internal disturbances continue).
371H	Arunachal Pradesh	Maintenance of law and order in the state.
371J	Karnataka	Development of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region and equitable allocation of funds/reservation.

It is important to distinguish these from states like Assam (371B) or Manipur (371C), where the special provisions focus on creating committees of the Legislative Assembly for tribal or hill areas, rather than granting the Governor an 'individual judgment' power over law and order Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, Special Provisions for Some States, p.560.

Sources: Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, State Council of Ministers, p.330; Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu, The State Executive, p.275; Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, Special Provisions for Some States, p.560

4. Tribal Administration: 5th and 6th Schedules (intermediate)

To understand tribal administration in India, we must first look at Article 244 in Part X of the Constitution. The makers of our Constitution recognized that tribal communities often possess unique cultural, social, and linguistic fabrics that could be vulnerable if subjected to the standard administrative machinery of the State. Therefore, they created a 'Constitution within a Constitution'—a dual system of administration designed to protect tribal land and culture from exploitation while allowing for self-governance Indian Polity, Scheduled and Tribal Areas, p.415.

The Fifth Schedule deals with 'Scheduled Areas' across most of India (except four North-Eastern states). In these areas, the Governor holds a 'special responsibility.' They can direct that an Act of Parliament or the State Legislature does not apply to a scheduled area or applies with modifications. To assist the Governor, a Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) is established, consisting of up to 20 members (three-fourths of whom are representatives of the Scheduled Tribes in the State Legislative Assembly) to advise on welfare and advancement Indian Polity, Scheduled and Tribal Areas, p.418.

The Sixth Schedule, however, is far more robust and applies specifically to the tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The rationale for this distinction is that while tribes in other states have largely assimilated into the surrounding culture, the tribes in these four states have maintained their distinct roots and customs Indian Polity, Scheduled and Tribal Areas, p.416. These areas are organized into Autonomous Districts, which possess their own District Councils and Regional Councils. These bodies aren't just advisory; they have the power to make laws on subjects like land, forests, and inheritance, and even possess judicial powers to try certain suits and cases Introduction to the Constitution of India, ADMINISTRATION OF SCHEDULED AND TRIBAL AREAS, p.330.

Feature	Fifth Schedule	Sixth Schedule
Applicability	Scheduled Areas in most states (excluding AMTM).	Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Primary Body	Tribes Advisory Council (Consultative).	Autonomous District Councils (Legislative/Judicial).
Governor's Role	Broad discretionary power to modify laws.	Power to organize/re-organize districts and oversee councils.

Sources: Indian Polity, Scheduled and Tribal Areas, p.415; Indian Polity, Scheduled and Tribal Areas, p.416; Indian Polity, Scheduled and Tribal Areas, p.418; Introduction to the Constitution of India, ADMINISTRATION OF SCHEDULED AND TRIBAL AREAS, p.330

5. Evolution of Statehood in North East India (intermediate)

The evolution of statehood in North East India is a fascinating journey of transitioning from a 'Greater Assam' and various Princely States into the 'Seven Sisters' (and one brother, Sikkim). Post-independence, the region primarily consisted of the large state of Assam and the Princely States of Manipur and Tripura, which joined the Indian Union in 1949. However, due to distinct ethnic aspirations and administrative requirements, the map of the North East underwent a massive transformation over four decades.

The first major change occurred in 1963 with the creation of Nagaland, carved out of Assam to satisfy the demands of the Naga movement. This was facilitated by the 13th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1962 Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, Chapter 77, p. 560. The next 'big bang' moment for the region was the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act of 1971. This landmark legislation granted full statehood to Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya (which was previously an autonomous sub-state within Assam) in January 1972 Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu, Tables, p. 507.

The final phase of statehood saw Sikkim joining the Union as a full state in 1975 through the 36th Amendment Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu, Tables, p. 507, followed by Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh attaining statehood in 1987. To ensure integrated development and coordination among these states, the North-Eastern Council (NEC) was established under a separate Act in 1971, serving as a unified planning body for the entire region Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, Inter-State Relations, p. 171.

Sources: Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, Chapter 77: Special Provisions for Some States, p.560; Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu, Tables, p.507; Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, Inter-State Relations, p.171

6. Decoding Article 371A: Special Provisions for Nagaland (exam-level)

In the mosaic of the Indian federation, Article 371A stands as a landmark of asymmetric federalism. Introduced by the 13th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1962, this article was the result of a political agreement (the 16-point agreement) to bring peace and autonomy to the Naga people. Unlike the general federal structure where Parliament holds supremacy over Union subjects, Article 371A creates a protective 'shield' for the state's cultural and social identity Indian Constitution at Work, The Philosophy of the Constitution, p.233.

The most distinctive feature of this provision is that Acts of Parliament do not automatically apply to Nagaland in four sensitive areas unless the State Legislative Assembly passes a resolution to that effect. These areas are:

• Religious or social practices of the Nagas.
• Naga customary law and procedure.
• Administration of civil and criminal justice involving Naga customary law.
• Ownership and transfer of land and its resources (a point of significant debate regarding mineral rights) Indian Polity, Special Provisions for Some States, p.560.

Furthermore, Article 371A grants the Governor of Nagaland a unique dual role. Beyond being a constitutional head, the Governor has a special responsibility regarding law and order. While the Governor is required to consult the Council of Ministers, they may exercise individual judgment in their actions. If a question arises whether a matter falls within this individual judgment, the Governor’s decision is final and cannot be challenged in court. This special power remains in effect as long as 'internal disturbances' persist in the Naga Hills-Tuensang Area Indian Polity, Governor, p.322.

Feature	Normal State	Nagaland (Art. 371A)
Parliamentary Laws	Apply as per Seventh Schedule.	Do not apply to custom/land unless Assembly agrees.
Governor's Role	Acts on aid and advice (mostly).	Special responsibility for law and order (discretionary).

Sources: Indian Constitution at Work, The Philosophy of the Constitution, p.233; Indian Polity, Special Provisions for Some States, p.560; Indian Polity, Governor, p.322

7. Solving the Original PYQ (exam-level)

Now that you have mastered the logic of Asymmetrical Federalism, you can see how the building blocks of Part XXI come together to address specific regional security needs. This question tests your ability to map a specific Article (371A) to its unique administrative mechanism. The core concept here is the departure from the standard constitutional role of a Governor; while most Governors act strictly on the 'aid and advice' of the Council of Ministers, Article 371A grants the Governor discretionary powers over security matters. This provision was born from the 13th Constitutional Amendment Act (1962) to facilitate the transition of the Naga Hills-Tuensang Area into a stable state.

To arrive at the correct answer, you must focus on the specific "signature" of Article 371A. When you see "Law and Order" combined with 371A, your reasoning should immediately point to (C) Nagaland. The logic is that because of the history of internal disturbances in the region, the Governor is empowered to exercise individual judgment after consulting the Council of Ministers. As long as the security situation remains volatile, the Governor's decision is final, effectively making them the primary custodian of the state's peace. This is a classic UPSC focal point: the intersection of Executive Discretion and regional sensitivity.

UPSC often uses "Neighboring State Traps" to test your precision across Articles 371A through 371J. Asom (Article 371B) and Manipur (Article 371C) are incorrect because their special provisions focus on Legislative Committees—specifically, the creation of committees for tribal or hill areas within the state assembly—rather than granting the Governor law-and-order powers. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh (Article 371D) is a trap focusing on employment and education. While Arunachal Pradesh (371H) also features a law-and-order provision, it is the specific reference to Article 371A in the question stem that mandates Nagaland as the only correct choice. (Source: Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.))