Actual Article
Article 291: Privy purses
The provision for privy purses has been omitted by the Constitution (Twenty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1971.
Explanation:
- Privy Purses: Before its omission, Article 291 dealt with privy purses, which were payments made to the erstwhile rulers of princely states as part of their agreements to integrate with India at the time of Independence.
- Omission: The privy purses were abolished by the Constitution (Twenty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1971. This amendment terminated the privy purses and the official recognition of the titles of the erstwhile rulers, marking the end of these financial privileges.
Key Points:
- Historical Context: The privy purses were a form of compensation to the former rulers of princely states for their merger into the Indian Union. The payments were intended to ensure their cooperation and smooth integration.
- Abolition: The Twenty-sixth Amendment of 1971 ended these payments, reflecting the evolving democratic ethos and the need to do away with feudal privileges in a modern republic.
- Constitutional Amendment: The abolition required a constitutional amendment, highlighting the significance of the change in the socio-political landscape of India.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 291
Cases:
- H.H. Maharajadhiraja Madhav Rao Jiwaji Rao Scindia vs. Union of India (1971): The Supreme Court initially ruled against the abolition of privy purses by presidential order, leading to the Twenty-sixth Amendment Act, 1971.
- Raghunathrao Ganpatrao vs. Union of India (1993): The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Twenty-sixth Amendment, affirming the abolition of privy purses.
Commissions:
- No specific commissions directly related to the abolition of privy purses, but the move was part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing the governance framework of India.
Important Reports Related to Article 291:
- Constituent Assembly Debates: Discussed the integration of princely states and the provision of privy purses as a temporary measure to ensure stability.
- Parliamentary Debates on the Twenty-sixth Amendment: Provide insights into the rationale behind the abolition of privy purses and the shift towards a more egalitarian society.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 291
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Which constitutional amendment abolished the privy purses in India?
- A. Twenty-fourth Amendment
- B. Twenty-fifth Amendment
- C. Twenty-sixth Amendment
- D. Twenty-seventh Amendment Correct Answer: C. Twenty-sixth Amendment
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) What was the purpose of privy purses provided under Article 291 before its omission?
- A. Payments to freedom fighters
- B. Payments to erstwhile rulers of princely states
- C. Grants to educational institutions
- D. Funds for rural development Correct Answer: B. Payments to erstwhile rulers of princely states
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 291
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the historical context and significance of privy purses in the integration of princely states into India. How did the abolition of privy purses reflect the changing socio-political landscape of India?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the impact of the Twenty-sixth Amendment on the Indian democratic ethos. What were the reasons for abolishing privy purses, and how did it contribute to the modernization of India’s governance framework?”
Additional Insights:
- End of Feudal Privileges: The abolition of privy purses marked a significant step towards ending feudal privileges and promoting egalitarianism in India.
- Modern Republic: The move was in line with India’s evolution as a modern republic, where hereditary privileges were seen as incompatible with democratic principles.
- Financial Rationalization: The abolition also helped in rationalizing public finances, redirecting funds towards more productive uses in a developing nation.
Understanding Article 291 and its abolition is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the historical context of India’s integration process and the evolution of its democratic framework. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional provisions and their impact on governance within the Indian Constitution.