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Which of the following criteria are specified for granting Special Category Status to States in India ? 1. Hilly and difficult terrain 2. Economic and infrastructural backwardness 3. Strategic coastal zone 4. Sizeable share of tribal population Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
The Special Category Status (SCS) was an administrative classification introduced in 1969 based on the Gadgil formula to assist states with geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. The National Development Council (NDC) specified five criteria for granting this status: (i) hilly and difficult terrain, (ii) low population density and/or a sizeable share of tribal population, (iii) strategic location along international borders, (iv) economic and infrastructural backwardness, and (v) non-viable nature of state finances [2]. While 'strategic location along international borders' is a valid criterion, a 'strategic coastal zone' is not specified in the NDC guidelines [1]. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct criteria, whereas statement 3 is incorrect. Following the 14th Finance Commission recommendations, the SCS classification for plan assistance has effectively ceased to exist for new states [1].
Sources
- [1] https://www.mha.gov.in/MHA1/Par2017/pdfs/par2018-pdfs/ls-11122018/106.pdf
- [2] https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/nothing-special-about-special-category-states-any-longer/