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As per Article 371G of the Constitution of India, special provisions have been made with respect to the state of Mizoram. Accordingly, no Act of Parliament shall apply on certain matters unless the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram so decides by a resolution. Which one of the following matters is not covered under this Article?
Explanation
Article 371G of the Constitution of India provides special protections for the state of Mizoram. Under this article, Acts of Parliament do not apply to Mizoram unless the State Legislative Assembly passes a resolution to that effect regarding four specific matters: (i) religious or social practices of the Mizos, (ii) Mizo customary law and procedure, (iii) administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Mizo customary law, and (iv) ownership and transfer of land [2]. While Article 371A for Nagaland includes 'ownership and transfer of land and its resources' [4], Article 371G for Mizoram specifically limits this protection to 'land' only, omitting the phrase 'and its resources' [2]. Therefore, the 'ownership and transfer of natural resources' is not a matter covered under the restrictive clause of Article 371G, making it the correct answer.
Sources
- [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 77: Special Provisions for Some States > PROVISIONS FOR MIZORAM > p. 563
- [2] https://necouncil.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploadfiles/371G.pdf
- [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 77: Special Provisions for Some States > PROVISIONS FOR NAGALAND > p. 560
- [4] https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/pdf1/Part21.pdf