UPSC Prelims 2003 Q124: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Which of the following Constitutional Amendments are related to raising the number of
Members of Lok Sabha to be elected from the States?
- (a) 6th and 22nd
- (b) 13th and 38th
- (c) 7th and 31st
- (d) 11th and 42nd
Answer: (c) 7th and 31st
Explanation
Amendments on Lok Sabha seats from the States
| Amendment | Subject |
|---|---|
| 7th (1956) | Reorganisation; maximum Lok Sabha seats from States raised to 500 |
| 31st (1973) | Raised seats from States from 500 to 525 |
| 6th, 22nd, 13th, 38th, 11th, 42nd | Other subjects |
The 7th and 31st Amendments were related to raising the number of Lok Sabha members elected from the States (to 500 and then to 525).
Answer: (c) 7th and 31st.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The 6th concerned sales tax and the 22nd concerned Meghalaya.
- (b) Incorrect. The 13th concerned Nagaland and the 38th emergency powers.
- (c) CORRECT. The 7th and 31st raised the Lok Sabha strength from States.
- (d) Incorrect. The 11th concerned the Vice-President's election and the 42nd was the mini-constitution.
Key point
LS seats from States: 500 (7th), 525 (31st), 530 (current, after Goa and others).
Remember
The 31st Amendment raised the Lok Sabha seats from States to 525.
Common mistakes
- Mixing the 31st with the 42nd Amendment.
- Forgetting the role of the 7th Amendment.
- Thinking that the 6th Amendment is about seats.
Exam tip
31st Amendment (1973): 525 from States, 20 from UTs.
Sources
- Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956
- Constitution (Thirty-first Amendment) Act, 1973
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Parliament)