Why Was Part 7 Removed from the Indian Constitution?
The Indian Constitution originally consisted of 22 parts, and Part 7 was one of them. However, it was later removed through a constitutional amendment. In this article, we will explore what Part 7 was, why it was removed, and its significance in India’s constitutional history.
What Was Part 7 of the Indian Constitution?
Part 7 of the Indian Constitution dealt with the provisions related to Part-B States. When the Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, Indian states were classified into four categories:
- Part A States – Former British provinces
- Part B States – Former princely states governed by a Rajpramukh
- Part C States – Smaller princely states and former Chief Commissioner’s Provinces
- Part D Territories – Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Part 7 contained legal and administrative provisions related to the governance of Part B States.
Why Was Part 7 Removed?
The classification of states into different categories was temporary. The Indian government aimed to create a more uniform administrative structure. Several reasons led to the removal of Part 7:
- Reorganization of States (1956) – The States Reorganisation Act, 1956, was passed, which led to a unified classification of states into a single category. The distinction between Part A, B, C, and D states was removed.
- Abolition of Part B States – The states that were previously categorized under Part B were merged with other states or given full statehood under a single constitutional framework.
- 7th Constitutional Amendment (1956) – The 7th Amendment Act of 1956 removed Part 7 from the Indian Constitution as it became redundant after the reorganization of states.
- Uniformity in Administration – The removal of Part 7 helped in streamlining governance and ensuring uniform laws and policies across all Indian states.
Impact of Removing Part 7
The elimination of Part 7 was a significant step in India’s political and administrative evolution. Its removal led to:
- A unified structure of states and union territories.
- Strengthened federalism by ensuring equal status for all states.
- Improved administrative efficiency with simplified governance.
- Better political stability by eliminating special provisions for certain states.
Conclusion
Part 7 of the Indian Constitution was removed through the 7th Constitutional Amendment in 1956 to facilitate the reorganization of states and establish a uniform governance system. This change was crucial in shaping modern India’s administrative framework, ensuring equal status for all states, and promoting national unity.
