UPSC Prelims 2006 Q23: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
- (a) Abolition of Legislative Councils in certain States
- (b) Introduction of dual citizenship for persons of Indian origin living outside India
- (c) Providing quota to socially and educationally backward classes in private educational institutions
- (d) Providing quota for religious minorities in the services under the Central Government
Answer: (c) Providing quota to socially and educationally backward classes in private educational institutions
Explanation
The 104th Constitution Amendment Bill
The Bill introduced as the 104th Constitution Amendment Bill was enacted as the 93rd Constitution Amendment Act, 2005. It inserted clause (5) in Article 15, allowing the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, SCs and STs in admission to educational institutions, including private unaided ones (minority institutions excluded).
| Option | Relation to the Bill? |
|---|---|
| Abolition of Legislative Councils | No |
| Dual citizenship for Indians abroad | No (handled through OCI under the Citizenship Act) |
| Quota for backward classes in private educational institutions | Yes |
| Quota for religious minorities in Central services | No |
Answer: (c) Providing quota to socially and educationally backward classes in private educational institutions.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Abolition of Legislative Councils is not the subject of this Bill.
- (b) Incorrect. Dual citizenship was not the subject; Overseas Citizenship came through the Citizenship Act.
- (c) CORRECT. The Bill, enacted as the 93rd Amendment, added Article 15(5) for backward-class quotas in educational institutions.
- (d) Incorrect. Quota for religious minorities in Central services was not what this Bill dealt with.
Key point
The 104th Amendment Bill became the 93rd Amendment Act, 2005, adding Article 15(5) for backward-class quotas in educational institutions including private unaided ones.
Remember
104th Bill = 93rd Amendment = Article 15(5) quota in educational institutions.
Common mistakes
- Mixing it with the 86th Amendment on free and compulsory education.
- Confusing Article 15(5) with Article 15(4) and 16(4).
- Assuming the Bill numbering must equal the final amendment number.
Exam tip
Article 15(5) (93rd Amendment, 2005) enabled reservation in private unaided educational institutions.
Sources
- Constitution (Ninety-third Amendment) Act, 2005 — Article 15(5)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Fundamental Rights)