PARTS OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Part |
Subject Matter |
Description |
I |
The Union and its Territory |
Describes the territory of India, including states, union territories, and the acquisition or cession of territory. It outlines how new states and territories can be formed or altered, including changes to boundaries, names, and areas of states. This part ensures the territorial integrity of India and includes articles related to the admission or establishment of new states. |
II |
Citizenship |
Defines who is a citizen of India at the commencement of the Constitution and lays down provisions for acquiring and terminating citizenship. It covers citizenship by birth, descent, registration, naturalization, and includes the power of Parliament to make laws regarding citizenship. This part is crucial for determining the legal relationship between an individual and the country. |
III |
Fundamental Rights |
Lists the fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens, including the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and the Right to Constitutional Remedies. These rights are enforceable by the courts and are essential for protecting the liberties and freedoms of individuals. |
IV |
Directive Principles of State Policy |
Contains guidelines for the framing of laws by the government. These principles aim to create social and economic conditions under which citizens can lead a good life. Though non-justiciable, they are fundamental in the governance of the country, promoting ideals such as social justice, economic welfare, foreign policy, and legal and administrative matters. |
IVA |
Fundamental Duties |
Lists the duties of citizens, which include respecting the Constitution, the national flag, and the national anthem, cherishing the noble ideals of the freedom struggle, upholding the sovereignty and integrity of India, defending the country, promoting harmony, and protecting the environment. These duties were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. |
V |
The Union |
Deals with the organization, powers, and functions of the central government, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), and the Attorney General. It describes the legislative, executive, and judicial powers at the Union level and the manner of their exercise. |
VI |
The States |
Covers the organization, powers, and functions of state governments, including the Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, and State Legislature (Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council). It outlines the division of powers between the Union and the States and the relationship between them. |
VII |
States in the B part of the First Schedule |
Provides special provisions for the administration of certain states, including Northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir, and Andhra Pradesh. This part addresses the unique needs and circumstances of these regions, allowing for a degree of autonomy and special consideration in governance. |
VIII |
The Union Territories |
Details the administration and governance of Union Territories, which are regions directly governed by the Central Government. It includes provisions for the appointment of administrators and the legislative powers of the Union regarding these territories. |
IX |
The Panchayats |
Establishes a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for local self-governance in rural areas. It includes provisions for the composition, powers, and responsibilities of Panchayats, ensuring grassroots democracy and decentralized administration. |
IXA |
The Municipalities |
Provides for the establishment of Municipalities in urban areas, detailing their composition, powers, and responsibilities. It aims to create efficient urban local governance, ensuring the democratic representation of urban residents and addressing urban development issues. |
X |
The Scheduled and Tribal Areas |
Focuses on the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas, protecting the rights and interests of the indigenous and tribal populations. It includes provisions for autonomous district councils and safeguards against the exploitation of these communities. |
XI |
Relations between the Union and the States |
Outlines the distribution of legislative, administrative, and financial powers between the Union and the States. It includes mechanisms for resolving disputes, cooperative federalism, and the role of the judiciary in maintaining the balance of power. |
XII |
Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits |
Covers financial relations between the Union and the States, including the distribution of revenues, borrowing powers, and the regulation of financial matters. It also addresses property rights, government contracts, and legal suits involving the government. |
XIII |
Trade, Commerce and Intercourse within the Territory of India |
Ensures the freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse throughout the territory of India. It includes provisions for the regulation of interstate trade and commerce and the resolution of disputes related to trade barriers. |
XIV |
Services under the Union and the States |
Provides for the organization and conditions of service of persons serving the Union and State governments. It includes provisions for recruitment, tenure, and terms of service of public servants, as well as the establishment of public service commissions. |
XIVA |
Tribunals |
Establishes various tribunals for the adjudication of disputes and the resolution of grievances in specific sectors such as administrative, taxation, labour, and industrial matters. It aims to provide a specialized and speedy justice delivery mechanism. |
XV |
Elections |
Lays down the procedures for the conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and offices of the President and Vice President. It includes provisions for the Election Commission, the preparation of electoral rolls, and the regulation of political parties and election conduct. |
XVI |
Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes |
Provides for the protection of the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. It includes provisions for their representation in legislatures, government services, and educational institutions. |
XVII |
Official Language |
Deals with the official languages of the Union, including Hindi and English. It outlines the provisions for the use of regional languages, the development of Hindi, and the protection of linguistic minorities. |
XVIII |
Emergency Provisions |
Provides for the declaration and management of emergencies in case of war, external aggression, internal disturbance, or financial instability. It includes the powers and functions of the President and the Union Government during such emergencies and the impact on fundamental rights and state governance. |
XIX |
Miscellaneous |
Includes various miscellaneous provisions such as the power of the President to grant pardons, the official seal of India, and the delegation of powers by the President and Governors. It also covers administrative and legal matters not specifically addressed in other parts. |
XX |
Amendment of the Constitution |
Details the process for amending the Constitution, including the initiation of amendments, their passage by Parliament, and ratification by State Legislatures. It ensures the adaptability and evolution of the Constitution to meet changing needs. |
XXI |
Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions |
Includes provisions for dealing with temporary, transitional, and special circumstances, such as the integration of princely states, the reorganization of states, and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. |
XXII |
Short Title, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi and Repeals |
Provides for the short title, commencement, authoritative text in Hindi, and the repeal of laws inconsistent with the Constitution. It ensures the formal and legal clarity of the Constitution. |
XXIII |
Laws Made Under Articles 2 and 3 |
Covers laws related to the formation of new states and alteration of existing state boundaries as per Articles 2 and 3. It includes provisions for the legislative process and the role of the President and Parliament. |
XXIV |
The Constitution (Amendment) Acts |
Lists all amendments made to the Constitution since its adoption in 1950, including their specific provisions and implications. This part tracks the changes and evolution of the constitutional framework over time. |
XXV |
The Sixth Schedule |
Provides for the administration and governance of tribal areas in the northeastern region of India. It includes special provisions for the protection of the rights, culture, and interests of tribal populations, including autonomous district councils. |