Part XX: Transitional Provisions
Article 384: Council of Ministers for Governors
Original Article:
Omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, s. 29 and Sch. (w.e.f. 1-11-1956).
Explanations:
Article 384 originally outlined provisions for the Council of Ministers advising Governors during India’s transitional phase to a federal system. These councils ensured continuity in governance, supporting Governors in managing provincial affairs. The Article was omitted by the Seventh Amendment in 1956, aligning with the unified governance model.
Clause-by-Clause Explanation:
Role of Council of Ministers under Transitional Framework
The Council of Ministers functioned as an advisory body to Governors, ensuring effective governance during the early years of India’s independence.
Omission Signifies Unified State Governance
The omission reflected the transition to a unified governance structure, making separate provincial provisions unnecessary.
Legislative History:
Article 384 was introduced to stabilize governance in provincial territories during the transition to independence. Its omission in 1956 marked the establishment of a cohesive federal governance system.
Amendments:
The Article was omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, effective from 1st November 1956, as its provisions were no longer required.
Debates and Deliberations:
The Constituent Assembly discussed the need for councils to aid Governors, ensuring administrative efficiency during India’s transitional phase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
It was introduced to provide Governors with a Council of Ministers to ensure efficient governance during the transitional period.
It was omitted after the reorganization of states under the Seventh Amendment, which rendered transitional provisions unnecessary.
The Council advised Governors on administrative matters, ensuring continuity in governance during India’s early years as a republic.