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    Question

    The First Schedule of the Constitution initially

    categorized states as Part A, B, C and D states. Which constitutional/legislative fact about Part B states (princely states) was changed by the Seventh Amendment (1956)?
    A Part B states were elevated to Union Territory status only. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Part B states were merged into reorganized states; the Part B distinction was abolished and territory reorganization rationalized. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Part B states were given special fiscal privileges permanently. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Part B states were given exclusive representation in Rajya Sabha. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E Seventh Amendment created Part E states. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The Seventh Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 fundamentally reorganized India’s federal structure. It abolished the earlier classification of States into Part A, Part B, and Part C, which had been inherited from colonial and princely arrangements. This amendment was closely linked with the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which reorganized states largely on linguistic and administrative considerations. The omission of Part VII (which dealt with Part B States, i.e., former princely states) symbolized the complete constitutional integration of princely territories into the Indian Union. The amendment strengthened national unity by removing differential constitutional treatment among states and reinforced the principle of equal constitutional status of states, a core feature of Indian federalism.

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