Question

New states are created under

• A. Art. 3 of the Indian Constitution
• B. Art. 4 of the Indian Constitution
• C. Art. 5 of the Indian Constitution
• D. Art. 370 of the Indian Constitution

Hint:

Remember the distinction: \textbf{Article 2} is for admitting external territories as states, while \textbf{Article 3} is for internal reorganization and creation of new states from existing ones. Article 3 is the most commonly used provision for creating new states in India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Part I of the Indian Constitution, comprising Articles 1 to 4, deals with the Union and its Territory. This part contains the provisions for admitting new territories and creating or reorganizing existing states.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's examine the relevant articles:
- Article 2: This article empowers the Parliament to 'admit into the Union, or establish, new States'. This power is generally used for admitting territories that were not previously part of India (e.g., the admission of Sikkim).
- Article 3: This article empowers the Parliament to form a new State by separation of territory from any existing State, or by uniting two or more States or parts of States. It also allows Parliament to increase or diminish the area of any State, alter the boundaries of any State, or alter the name of any State. This is the article used for the internal reorganization of states, such as the creation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh. The question asks how "new states are created," which directly refers to the powers under Article 3.
- Article 4: This article clarifies that any law made under Article 2 or Article 3 for the creation of new states is not to be considered a constitutional amendment under Article 368. It allows for such changes to be made through a simple majority in Parliament.
- Article 5: This article deals with citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution.
- Article 370: This was a temporary provision that granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has since been abrogated.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The primary constitutional provision that grants Parliament the power to create new states by altering the boundaries of existing states is Article 3.