Understanding the Number of Schedules in the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution, the supreme law of India, is structured into various parts and articles. Additionally, it contains supplementary lists known as Schedules. These Schedules provide detailed information or administrative provisions related to specific subjects mentioned in the articles of the Constitution.
History and Evolution of Schedules
The original Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, contained 8 Schedules. Over the years, several constitutional amendments have added more Schedules to accommodate new provisions and reorganize certain aspects of governance. Currently, the Indian Constitution has 12 Schedules.
The increase from 8 to 12 Schedules happened through the addition of four new Schedules via amendments:
- 9th Schedule: Added by the First Amendment Act, 1951. It contains provisions relating to the acquisition of estates and other matters. Laws included in this schedule cannot be challenged in courts.
- 10th Schedule: Added by the Fifty-second Amendment Act, 1985. It deals with the disqualification of Members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the ground of defection (commonly known as the Anti-Defection Law).
- 11th Schedule: Added by the Seventy-third Amendment Act, 1992. It contains provisions related to the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats (local village governments). It has 29 items.
- 12th Schedule: Added by the Seventy-fourth Amendment Act, 1992. It contains provisions related to the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities (urban local governments). It has 18 items.
Current Schedules in the Indian Constitution
As of today, the Indian Constitution comprises 12 Schedules:
| Schedule Number | Content |
|---|---|
| 1st Schedule |
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| 2nd Schedule |
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| 3rd Schedule |
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| 4th Schedule |
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| 5th Schedule |
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| 6th Schedule |
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| 7th Schedule |
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| 8th Schedule |
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| 9th Schedule |
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| 10th Schedule |
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| 11th Schedule |
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| 12th Schedule |
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Therefore, there are currently 12 Schedules in the Constitution of India.
Important Questions from Salient Features of the Constitution
- Identify the incorrect pair of Principle implied in Fundamental Rights and its related Article of the Constitution of India :
- The Concept of welfare state in Indian Constitution is included in _________.
- Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution was added by the 1st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1951?
- Which among the following Constitutions became the source for the feature of "Federation with Strong Centre" in Indian Constitution?
Consider the following statements :
1. In order to form a new state in the Indian Union, the Parliament can amend the provisions of the Constitution with a Simple Majority.
2. To amend the provisions of Directive Principles of State Policy, the Parliament requires a Special Majority.
3. To amend Article 368 of the Constitution, the Parliament requires Special Majority along with the consent of half of the state legislatures.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
