UPSC Prelims 2008 Q99: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
Under
which one of the following Constitution Amendment Acts, four languages were added to the
languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, thereby raising their number
to 22?
- (a) Constitution (Ninetieth Amendment) Act
- (b) Constitution (Ninety - first Amendment) Act
- (c) Constitution (Ninety - second Amendment) Act
- (d) Constitution (Ninety - third Amendment) Act
Answer: (c) Constitution (Ninety - second Amendment) Act
Explanation
Which Amendment added four languages to the Eighth Schedule
A specific Constitutional Amendment expanded the official languages list from 18 to 22.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) 90th Amendment | Incorrect | Dealt with a different matter (Bodoland Territorial Council representation) |
| (b) 91st Amendment | Incorrect | Dealt with Council of Ministers size and anti-defection provisions, not languages |
| (c) 92nd Amendment | Correct | The 92nd Amendment Act added four languages (Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali) to the Eighth Schedule, raising the total to 22 |
| (d) 93rd Amendment | Incorrect | Dealt with reservation in educational institutions, unrelated to languages |
92nd Amendment facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Added languages | Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali |
| New total | 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule |
Answer: (c) Constitution (Ninety-second Amendment) Act.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The 90th Amendment dealt with Bodoland Territorial Council representation, not languages.
- (b) Incorrect. The 91st Amendment dealt with Council of Ministers size and anti-defection, not languages.
- (c) CORRECT. The 92nd Amendment added four languages to the Eighth Schedule, raising the total to 22.
- (d) Incorrect. The 93rd Amendment dealt with educational reservation, not languages.
Key point
The Constitution (Ninety-second Amendment) Act added four languages (Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali) to the Eighth Schedule, raising the total number of recognized languages to 22.
Remember
The Constitution (Ninety-second Amendment) Act added four languages to the Eighth Schedule, raising the total to 22.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the 92nd Amendment's language addition with nearby numbered amendments dealing with unrelated matters (ministerial size, educational reservation).
- Not knowing the specific four languages added by this amendment.
- Mixing up the new total (22) with the previous count (18).
Exam tip
92nd Amendment = added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali to the Eighth Schedule, raising the total to 22 languages.
Sources
- Constitution (Ninety-second Amendment) Act, 2003
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Amendment of the Constitution)