Page 05 – Union and Its Territory

Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)

📖 Part I: Constitutional Framework 📄 Page 5 of 60
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Key Idea Summary

Core concepts and exam relevance

Core Concept Summary

This topic explains how India's states and union territories were formed, reorganized, and modified over time.

India is described as a "Union of States" (Article 1), implying that states cannot secede and the union was not formed by agreement among states.

📌 Why This Topic is Important for UPSC / State Exams
  • Powers of Parliament under Article 3 asked frequently
  • Questions on formation of new states (Telangana, J&K reorganization)
  • "Union of States" vs "Federation" distinction important
  • Current affairs linked – state reorganization issues
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Key Constitutional Articles

Articles 1-4 explained

1

Article 1 – Name & Territory

  • India = "Union of States"
  • NOT a "federation" by name
  • Territory includes: States, Union Territories, Acquired territories
  • India is also called "Bharat"
2

Article 2 – Admission of New States

  • Parliament can admit new states into Union
  • Can establish new states on terms it thinks fit
  • Simple majority of Parliament sufficient
  • Example: Sikkim admitted in 1975 (36th Amendment)
3

Article 3 – Reorganization of States

  • Form new state by separating territory
  • Increase/decrease area of any state
  • Alter boundaries of any state
  • Change name of any state
  • Requires President's recommendation + State opinion (not binding)
4

Article 4 – Consequential Provisions

  • Laws under Art. 2 & 3 can amend First & Fourth Schedules
  • Not considered Constitutional Amendment
  • Passed by simple majority
  • Enables Parliament to update state/UT lists
⚠️ Key Point – "Union of States"
  • States cannot secede from India
  • India was not formed by an agreement among states
  • Federation is indestructible – no state can break away
  • Dr. Ambedkar specifically chose "Union" over "Federation"
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Timeline of State Reorganization

How India's map changed over time

1953
Andhra State
First state formed on linguistic basis after Potti Sriramulu's death. Carved from Madras state.
1956
States Reorganization Act
Major reorganization based on language. 14 States + 6 UTs created. Based on Fazal Ali Commission recommendations.
1960
Bombay State Split
Divided into Maharashtra (Marathi) and Gujarat (Gujarati).
1966
Punjab Reorganization
Punjab divided into Punjab (Punjabi), Haryana (Hindi), and Chandigarh (UT).
1975
Sikkim Becomes State
Sikkim admitted as 22nd state. 35th Amendment made it associate state; 36th Amendment made it full state.
2000
Three New States
Chhattisgarh (from MP), Uttarakhand (from UP), Jharkhand (from Bihar) formed.
2014
Telangana
Telangana carved out of Andhra Pradesh. 29th state of India.
2019
J&K Reorganization
J&K reorganized into two UTs: J&K (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). Article 370 abrogated.
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Exam Booster – Practice Questions

Test your understanding

1 Which Article deals with the formation of new states by reorganization?

A Article 1
B Article 2
C Article 3
D Article 4
✓ Correct Answer: C – Article 3

Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new states by separation, increase/decrease area, alter boundaries, or change names of existing states. Article 2 deals with admission of NEW states (from outside India, like Sikkim).

2 The phrase "Union of States" in Article 1 implies:

A States can secede from India
B Federation is destructible
C States have no right to secede; Union is indestructible
D India was formed by agreement among states
✓ Correct Answer: C

"Union of States" was deliberately chosen by Dr. Ambedkar to emphasize that (1) States cannot secede, (2) India was not formed by agreement among states, and (3) The federation is indestructible.

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Memory Hooks & Quick Revision

Key takeaways for exam day

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Revision Summary

One-Line Takeaway
"India = Union, not federation by agreement. Only Parliament can create/alter states."
3 Exam Points to Remember
  • 1 Article 1 = Name (India/Bharat) | Article 2 = Admit new | Article 3 = Reorganize | Article 4 = Schedules
  • 2 State's opinion is sought but NOT binding on Parliament under Article 3
  • 3 Laws under Art. 2, 3, 4 need only Simple Majority – not Constitutional Amendment
🔤 Memory Trick – Article Functions:

"NAME-ADD-ARRANGE-SCHEDULE"
Art 1 = NAME | Art 2 = ADD new | Art 3 = ARRANGE (reorganize) | Art 4 = SCHEDULE amendments

🎯 Current Affairs Link:
  • 2019: J&K reorganized → 2 UTs (J&K with legislature, Ladakh without)
  • Current: India has 28 States and 8 Union Territories