36th Constitutional Amendment Act

Assertion (A): Sikkim became the 22nd state of India in 1975

Reason (R): This was done through the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act.

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

B.Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

C.A is true, but R is false

D.A is false, but R is true

EXPLANATION

🔹 Key Features of the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act:

Date of Enactment: 26 April 1975
Purpose: To make Sikkim a full-fledged state of India.
Background:
- Prior to the amendment, Sikkim was a protectorate of India under the special status given by Article 371F.
- It had a special relationship with India but was not a full state.
- There was growing demand within Sikkim for closer integration with India.

🔸 Main Provisions:

Insertion of Article 371F:
- This article was added to provide special provisions for Sikkim, similar to other special-category states.
- It includes provisions to safeguard the rights and interests of the people of Sikkim and maintain their existing laws and customs.
Addition of Sikkim as the 22nd State of India:
- Sikkim was included in the First Schedule of the Constitution, which lists all Indian states.
Amendment to the Fourth Schedule:
- This schedule, which allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha, was amended to provide Sikkim with representation in the Council of States.
Repeal of Article 2A and Tenth Schedule (related to Sikkim as an associate state):
- The earlier 35th Amendment Act (1974) had given Sikkim the status of an associate state, but this concept was abolished with the 36th Amendment.

🔹 Significance:

Marked the formal and complete integration of Sikkim with India.
Recognized Sikkim as the 22nd state of the Indian Union.
Ensured constitutional protection for the people and traditions of Sikkim.