Question

With reference to the 104th Constitutional Amendment, consider the following statements:

I. It extended the reservation for SC/STs in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures until January 2030.

II. Reservation for Anglo-Indian members in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures was abolished.

III. The amendment amended Article 334 of the Constitution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. I only
• B. II and III only
• C. I and III only
• D. I, II, and III

Answer 1

Answer:

D. I, II, and III

104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019

• Extension of Reservation for SC/STs: Statement I is correct. This amendment extended the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The reservation, which was due to expire on January 26, 2020, has been extended for another ten years, i.e., until January 25, 2030.
• Abolition of Anglo-Indian Reservation: Statement II is correct. The 104th Amendment Act abolished the provision for the nomination of members from the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Prior to this amendment, Article 334 provided for such nominations if the President or Governor felt that the community was not adequately represented. This provision lapsed on January 25, 2020.
• Amendment to Article 334: Statement III is correct. The amendment specifically modified Article 334 of the Constitution. This Article deals with the reservation of seats and special representation for SCs and STs in the Union and State legislatures. The 104th Amendment altered the period for which these provisions were to be in force, effectively extending the SC/ST reservation and discontinuing the Anglo-Indian nomination.
• Context and Significance: Constitutional Amendments related to reservations are crucial for understanding the evolving socio-political landscape of India. The 104th Amendment reinforced the commitment to affirmative action for SCs and STs while discontinuing a nomination-based reservation that was seen as less effective in ensuring representation. Understanding the specifics of such amendments is vital for competitive examinations focusing on Indian Polity and Governance.