Part XVI: Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes
Article 330: Reservation of Seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
Original Article:
(1) Seats shall be reserved in the House of the People for:
- (a) The Scheduled Castes;
- (b) The Scheduled Tribes except the Scheduled Tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam; and
- (c) The Scheduled Tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam.
(2) The number of seats reserved in any State or Union territory for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes under clause (1) shall bear, as nearly as may be, the same proportion to the total number of seats allotted to that State or Union territory in the House of the People as the population of the Scheduled Castes in the State or Union territory or of the Scheduled Tribes in the State or Union territory or part of the State or Union territory, as the case may be, in respect of which seats are so reserved, bears to the total population of the State or Union territory.
Explanations:
Article 330 ensures representation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha, reflecting India's commitment to social justice. By reserving seats proportionate to their population, it empowers these communities to participate in legislative processes.
Clause (1) specifies that reservations apply to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes (excluding those in Assam's autonomous districts), and Scheduled Tribes within Assam's autonomous districts. This ensures tailored representation for tribal communities based on regional requirements.
Clause (2) emphasizes proportionality, mandating that reserved seats in any State or Union Territory correspond to the population ratio of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes to the total population of that region. This approach maintains equity and inclusivity in representation.
Historical Significance:
This provision stems from India's constitutional vision of inclusivity and equality, addressing the socio-political marginalization of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It reflects the framers' commitment to rectifying historical injustices through affirmative action.
Amendments:
- 51st Amendment (1984): Updated clause (1)(b) to exclude Assam’s autonomous districts.
- 7th Amendment (1956): Extended the provision to Union Territories.
- 31st Amendment (1973): Introduced clause (3) for proportional representation in Assam’s autonomous districts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Seats are reserved to ensure these historically marginalized communities have adequate representation in legislative processes, promoting social justice and inclusivity.
The number of reserved seats is proportional to the population of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in each state or Union territory, based on census data.
Article 330 ensures specific representation for Scheduled Tribes in Assam’s autonomous districts, safeguarding their unique cultural and political identity.