Understanding the Constitution (35th Amendment) Act, 1974

The question asks about the state associated with the Constitution (35th Amendment) Act of 1974. This particular amendment holds significant historical importance in the context of India's relationship with one of its current states.

Let's delve into the details of the 35th Amendment Act, 1974:

• This amendment was enacted to alter the status of Sikkim in relation to India.
• Prior to this amendment, Sikkim was a protectorate of India, meaning India was responsible for its defence, external affairs, and communications, but Sikkim retained its internal autonomy under the Chogyal (monarch).
• The 35th Amendment Act conferred upon Sikkim the status of an 'Associate State' of the Indian Union.
• It added a new Article, Article 2A, to the Constitution, which specifically linked Sikkim with the Union.
• Crucially, the Act also added a new Schedule, the Tenth Schedule, to the Constitution. This Schedule laid down the terms and conditions of association of Sikkim with the Union, including representation in the Indian Parliament.
• The provisions of this amendment were based on the will expressed by the people of Sikkim through a special poll held in 1974, which favoured closer ties with India.

Following the 35th Amendment, Sikkim had a unique status as an 'Associate State'. However, this was a transitional phase. The process of full integration was completed shortly after with another amendment.

Considering the historical context and the specific provisions of the Constitution (35th Amendment) Act, 1974, it is clear that this amendment is directly related to the state of Sikkim.

Analyzing the Options

Let's briefly consider why the other options are not associated with the 35th Amendment Act of 1974:

• Mizoram: Mizoram's integration and statehood process involved different agreements and constitutional amendments, primarily related to insurgency and peace accords, such as the 53rd Amendment Act of 1986 which granted it statehood.
• Nagaland: Nagaland was formed much earlier, in 1963, through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962, and its relationship with the Union was established at that time, involving specific constitutional provisions like Article 371A.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh (formerly North-East Frontier Agency or NEFA) became a Union Territory in 1972 and achieved statehood through the 55th Amendment Act of 1986.

Thus, the 35th Amendment specifically pertains to Sikkim.

The Outcome for Sikkim

While the 35th Amendment made Sikkim an 'Associate State', the process culminated in the Constitution (36th Amendment) Act, 1975. This subsequent amendment repealed Article 2A and the Tenth Schedule added by the 35th Amendment and incorporated Sikkim as a full-fledged state of the Indian Union, adding Article 371F to provide special provisions for its administration.

Therefore, the 35th Amendment was the crucial step that changed Sikkim's status from a protectorate to an associate state, paving the way for its full integration.

Based on this analysis, the Constitution (35th Amendment) Act of 1974 is related to Sikkim.

Revision Table: Key Constitution Amendments and States

Additional Information on Sikkim's Integration

Sikkim's integration into India was a unique historical event. Located in the Himalayas, it was a monarchy with a distinct identity.

• Historically, Sikkim was a protectorate of India under treaties signed after India's independence.
• In the early 1970s, there was a growing movement for closer ties with India and democratic reforms within Sikkim.
• A referendum (or special poll) was held in 1974, where the populace voted overwhelmingly in favour of integration with India.
• This led to the enactment of the 35th Amendment in 1974, making Sikkim an 'Associate State'.
• Subsequently, in 1975, the monarchy was abolished following another referendum, and the people voted for Sikkim to become a full state of India.
• The 36th Amendment Act of 1975 then formally incorporated Sikkim as the 22nd state of India.
• Article 371F of the Constitution contains special provisions applicable only to Sikkim, dealing with its unique historical and political background.

The 35th Amendment Act, 1974, therefore represents a crucial step in this process, specifically relating to the state of Sikkim.