Question

Through the simple majority of the parliament, which of the provisions of the Constitution can be amended?

1. Presidential election
2. Directive Principles of State Policy
3. Formation of new states
4. Alteration of boundaries and names of existing states

• A. ii, iv
• B. iii, iv
• C. All
• D. iii only

Answer 1

Answer:

B. iii, iv

The Indian Constitution can be amended in three ways, and some provisions can indeed be amended by a simple majority of the Parliament, meaning a majority of more than 50% of the members present and voting. It's important to note that these amendments fall outside the scope of Article 368 of the Constitution, which deals with more rigid amendment procedures.

Here are some examples of provisions that can be amended by a simple majority:

• Admission or establishment of new states: Article 2 allows Parliament to admit new states into the Union or establish new ones.

• Formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states: Article 3 enables Parliament to form new states by separation of territory from any state or by uniting two or more states or parts of states or by uniting any territory to a part of any state, and to alter the area, boundaries or names of any state.

• Abolition or creation of Legislative Councils in states: Article 169 provides for this.

• Citizenship – acquisition and termination: Provisions related to citizenship can be amended by simple majority.

• Salaries and allowances of the President, the Vice-President, the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

• Rules of procedure in Parliament.

• Privileges of Parliament, its members, and its committees.

• Quorum in Parliament.

• Use of English language in Parliament.

• Number of judges in the Supreme Court.

• Conferment of more jurisdiction on the Supreme Court.

• Use of official language.

• Elections to Parliament and state legislatures.

• Delimitation of constituencies.

• Union territories.

• Fifth Schedule: Administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes.

• Sixth Schedule: Administration of Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.