Actual Article
Article 330: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People
(1) Seats shall be reserved in the House of the People for—
(a) the Scheduled Castes;
(b) the Scheduled Tribes except the Scheduled Tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam; and
(c) the Scheduled Tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam.
(2) The number of seats reserved in any State or Union territory for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes under clause (1) shall bear, as nearly as may be, the same proportion to the total number of seats allotted to that State or Union territory in the House of the People as the population of the Scheduled Castes in the State or Union territory or of the Scheduled Tribes in the State or Union territory or part of the State or Union territory, as the case may be, in respect of which seats are so reserved, bears to the total population of the State or Union territory.
UPSC Notes for Article 330
Explanation:
- Reservation of Seats: Article 330 mandates the reservation of seats in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), including specific provisions for the Scheduled Tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam.
- Proportional Representation: The number of reserved seats is determined based on the proportion of the SC or ST population in a State or Union territory relative to its total population, ensuring fair representation.
Key Points:
- Ensuring Representation: Ensures that SCs and STs have adequate representation in the Lok Sabha, promoting inclusivity and addressing historical injustices.
- Proportional Allocation: Uses a proportional system to allocate reserved seats, ensuring that the representation of SCs and STs is reflective of their population sizes in each State or Union territory.
- Special Provision for Assam: Recognizes the unique demographic and administrative setup of Assam, providing specific reservations for the STs in its autonomous districts.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 330
Cases:
- Kartar Singh vs. State of Punjab (1994): The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of reservation provisions, including those under Article 330, as necessary for achieving social justice.
- Indra Sawhney vs. Union of India (1992): While primarily addressing reservations in employment, the principles of affirmative action and the need for representation discussed in this case are relevant to understanding the importance of Article 330.
Commissions:
- Delimitation Commission: Responsible for the delimitation of constituencies and ensuring that the reserved seats for SCs and STs are appropriately allocated.
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST): Monitor and report on the implementation of constitutional safeguards for SCs and STs, including the effectiveness of reservation provisions.
Important Reports Related to Article 330:
- Delimitation Commission Reports: Provide insights into the allocation and adjustment of reserved seats in various States and Union territories.
- NCSC and NCST Reports: Discuss the impact of reserved seats on the political representation and empowerment of SCs and STs.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 330
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) What does Article 330 of the Indian Constitution provide for?
A. Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People
B. Reservation of seats for women in the House of the People
C. Allocation of funds for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
D. Creation of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Correct Answer: A. Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People - (UPSC Prelims 2018) How is the number of reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in any State or Union territory determined under Article 330?
A. Based on the decision of the President
B. Based on the proportion of their population in the State or Union territory
C. Based on the recommendation of the Chief Minister
D. Based on the total number of constituencies in the country Correct Answer: B. Based on the proportion of their population in the State or Union territory
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 330
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 330 in promoting the political representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India. How does proportional representation under this article contribute to social justice?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the impact of reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People on Indian democracy. What are the potential benefits and challenges associated with these reservations?”
Additional Insights:
- Promoting Inclusivity: Article 330 plays a critical role in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in the legislative process.
- Balancing Representation: The proportional representation mechanism helps balance the representation of SCs and STs with their population sizes, ensuring fair and equitable participation.
- Addressing Historical Injustices: By providing reserved seats, Article 330 helps address historical injustices and socio-economic disparities faced by SCs and STs, contributing to their empowerment and upliftment.
Understanding Article 330 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the constitutional mechanisms for ensuring the political representation of marginalized communities in India. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional provisions and their impact on the functioning of the Indian democracy.