Actual Article
Article 331: Representation of the Anglo-Indian community in the House of the People
Notwithstanding anything in Article 81, the President may, if he is of opinion that the Anglo-Indian community is not adequately represented in the House of the People, nominate not more than two members of that community to the House of the People.
UPSC Notes for Article 331
Explanation:
- Anglo-Indian Community Representation: Article 331 allows the President to nominate up to two members of the Anglo-Indian community to the House of the People (Lok Sabha) if he believes they are not adequately represented.
- Discretionary Power of the President: The power to nominate is discretionary and based on the President’s assessment of the community’s representation in the Lok Sabha.
Key Points:
- Ensuring Representation: Ensures that the Anglo-Indian community, a small minority, has representation in the Lok Sabha, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
- Nomination Process: The nomination is made by the President based on the assessment of the community’s representation, ensuring that the community’s interests are considered in the legislative process.
- Limited Scope: The provision is limited to not more than two members, reflecting the relatively small size of the Anglo-Indian community in India.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 331
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases directly interpreting Article 331, as it primarily deals with the discretionary nomination of Anglo-Indian members by the President.
Commissions:
- National Commission for Minorities: Works to safeguard the rights and interests of minority communities, including the Anglo-Indian community, and can provide recommendations regarding their representation.
- Law Commission of India: Reviews and suggests reforms related to minority representation in legislative bodies.
Important Reports Related to Article 331:
- National Commission for Minorities Reports: Discuss the representation and welfare of minority communities, including the Anglo-Indian community.
- Law Commission Reports: Provide insights and recommendations on the legal frameworks for ensuring adequate representation of minority communities in legislative bodies.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 331
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Under Article 331 of the Indian Constitution, how many members of the Anglo-Indian community can the President nominate to the House of the People?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four Correct Answer: B. Two - (UPSC Prelims 2018) The nomination of Anglo-Indian members to the House of the People under Article 331 is based on which of the following?
A. The recommendation of the Prime Minister
B. The decision of the Election Commission
C. The discretion of the President
D. The resolution of the Parliament Correct Answer: C. The discretion of the President
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 331
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 331 in ensuring the representation of the Anglo-Indian community in the House of the People. How does this provision contribute to the inclusivity of the Indian Parliament?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the impact of the discretionary power of the President under Article 331 on the representation of minority communities in India. What are the potential benefits and challenges of this provision?”
Additional Insights:
- Promoting Diversity: Article 331 plays a crucial role in promoting diversity in the Lok Sabha by ensuring representation for the Anglo-Indian community.
- Historical Context: Reflects the historical context and unique status of the Anglo-Indian community in India, ensuring their interests are considered in the legislative process.
- Balancing Representation: The provision balances the need for minority representation with the overall structure of the Lok Sabha, ensuring that small communities are not overlooked.
Understanding Article 331 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the constitutional mechanisms for ensuring the representation of minority communities in the Indian Parliament. 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.