This is a classic 'Static inspired by Current Affairs' question. The keywords 'Quarantine' and 'Migration' were central to the COVID-19 news cycle. While standard books summarize lists, this question demanded a look at the specific Bare Act entries triggered by the pandemic.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState trade and commerce" listed as a State subject in the State List?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"In the Constitution of India "Inter-State Trade and commerce" became a topic of legislation in the. Union List (Entry List 1, Seventh Schedule)."
Why this source?
- Explicitly states that 'Inter-State Trade and commerce' is a topic of legislation in the Union List (Entry List 1, Seventh Schedule).
- If it's in the Union List, it is not a State subject in the State List.
"41. Trade and commerce with foreign countries; import and export across customs frontiers; definition of customs frontiers. 42. Inter-State trade and commerce."
Why this source?
- Lists 'Inter-State trade and commerce' as entry 42 alongside other entries (indicative of the Seventh Schedule listing).
- The enumeration shows inter-State trade is included among central/union entries rather than State List items.
"of national importance e.g. arms and ammunition, atomic energy, foreign affairs, citizenship, extradition, railways, shipping and navigation, airways, posts and telegraphs, telephones, wireless and broadcasting, currency, foreign trade, inter-state trade and commerce, banking, insurance, control of industries, regulation and development of mines, mineral and oil resources,"
Why this source?
- Groups 'inter-state trade and commerce' with matters described as 'of national importance', implying it is a Union-level subject in the Seventh Schedule.
- This government document treats inter-state trade as part of central (Union) legislative concerns.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
Strength: 5/5
ā!II Distribution of Legislative Subjects The Constitution provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and the states, viz. , List-I (the Union List), List-II (the State List) and List-HI (the Concurrent List) in the Seventh Schedule: (i) The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the Union List. This list has at present 98 subjects (originally 97\ subjects) like defence, banking, foreign affairs, currency, atomic energy, in surance, communication , inter-state trade and commerce, census, audit and so on. ā¢ (ii) The state legislature has "in normal circumstances" exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List.ā
Why relevant
States distribution summary explicitly lists 'inter-state trade and commerce' among examples in the Union List, indicating it is treated as a Union subject rather than a State List item.
How to extend
A student could check the Seventh Schedule or Union List in a copy of the Constitution to verify the exact entry and thereby test whether it appears in List II (State List).
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 15: Centre State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
Strength: 5/5
āThe Constitution provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and the states, viz., List-I (the Union List), List-II (the State List) and List-III (the Concurrent List) in the Seventh Schedule: (i) The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the Union List. This list has at present 98 subjects (originally 97\ subjects) like defence, banking, foreign affairs, currency, atomic energy, insurance, communication , inter-state trade and commerce, census, audit and so on. ā¢ (ii) The state legislature has "in normal circumstances" exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List.ā
Why relevant
Another authoritative summary repeats that 'inter-state trade and commerce' is an item in the Union List, reinforcing the pattern that inter-state commerce is a central (Union) subject.
How to extend
Cross-reference this repeated claim with the Seventh Schedule's List I entries to confirm placement and rule out its presence in List II.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 25: DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > p. 384
Strength: 4/5
āThus- (a) Professions Tax. (a) While Entry 60 of List II of Seventh Schedule . authorises a State Legislature to levy a tax on profession, trade. calling or employment. the total amount payable in respect of anyone person to the State ,or any other authority in the State by way of such tax shall not exceed Rs 2.500 per annum [Article 276(2)]. (b) Sales Tax. (b) The power to impose taxes on "sale or purchase of goods other than newspapers" belongs to the State. But "taxes on imports and exports" [Entry 83, List I] and "taxes on sales in the course of inter-State trade and commerce" [Entry 92A, List I] are exclusive Union subjects.ā
Why relevant
Discussion of taxation distinguishes State powers (sales tax) from Union powers (taxes on sales in the course of inter-State trade and commerce), implying inter-State trade falls under Union competence.
How to extend
Use the tax-entry distinctions (List I vs List II) to infer which list governs interāState trade ā then inspect the Seventh Schedule entries for those tax and trade items.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 16: Inter State Relations > INTER-STATE TRADE AND COMMERCE > p. 169
Strength: 3/5
āArticles 301 to 307 in Part XIII of the Constitution deal with the trade, commerce and intercourse within the territory of India.
Article 301 declares that trade, commerce and intercourse throughout the territory of India shall be free. The object of this provision is to break down the border barriers between the states and to create one unit with a view to encourage the free flow of trade, commerce and intercourse in the country. The freedom under this provision is notā
Why relevant
References to Articles 301ā307 treating trade, commerce and intercourse as matters of national freedom suggest constitutional provisions aim to regulate inter-state commerce at the Union level.
How to extend
Combine this constitutional-article focus with the Seventh Schedule lists to deduce whether inter-State trade is assigned to Union legislative competence.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 26: ADMINISTRATIVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNION AND THE STATES > All-India Services. > p. 396
Strength: 3/5
āFor the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the Constitution relating to the freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse throughout the territory of India [Articles 301-305], Parliament is empowered to constitute an Inter-State Commerce Commission similar to the Inter-State Commerce Commission. In the USA and to confer on such authority such powers and duties as it may deem fit [Article 307]. No such Commission has, however, been set up. Apart from the above constitutional agencies for Union control over the States, to ensure a co-ordinated development of India notwithstanding a Extra-constitutional Agencies for setting all-India problems. federal system of government, there are some advisory bodies and conferences held at the Union level, which further co-ordination of state policy and eliminate differences as between the states.ā
Why relevant
Notes Parliament's power to constitute an Inter-State Commerce Commission under Article 307 indicate a role for the Union in regulating inter-State trade, consistent with Union-list treatment.
How to extend
Infer from the Parliament-level remedy/agency that interāState trade is not primarily a State List subject, then verify by checking the Seventh Schedule.
Statement 2
As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState migration" listed as a State subject in the State List?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The 7th schedule of the Constitution has pandemic-related entries in all three lists: Union list ā inter-state migration & quarantine (entry 81)"
Why this source?
- Explicitly states which list contains inter-state migration: places it in the Union List (entry 81).
- By identifying inter-state migration under the Union list, it implies it is not a State List subject.
"Inter-State migration.
... Subjects in List I of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution"
Why this source?
- Official-looking source lists the phrase 'Inter-State migration' in context of the Seventh Schedule.
- Mentions 'Subjects in List I of the Seventh Schedule', indicating placement in List I (the Union List) rather than the State List.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
Strength: 4/5
ā!II Distribution of Legislative Subjects The Constitution provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and the states, viz. , List-I (the Union List), List-II (the State List) and List-HI (the Concurrent List) in the Seventh Schedule: (i) The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the Union List. This list has at present 98 subjects (originally 97\ subjects) like defence, banking, foreign affairs, currency, atomic energy, in surance, communication , inter-state trade and commerce, census, audit and so on. ā¢ (ii) The state legislature has "in normal circumstances" exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List.ā
Why relevant
Explains the threeāfold distribution of legislative subjects (Seventh Schedule) and that the State List gives states 'in normal circumstances' exclusive lawāmaking power.
How to extend
A student can use this rule to check whether 'interāState migration' appears in List II (State List) or elsewhere in the Seventh Schedule.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 15: Centre State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
Strength: 4/5
āThe Constitution provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and the states, viz., List-I (the Union List), List-II (the State List) and List-III (the Concurrent List) in the Seventh Schedule: (i) The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the Union List. This list has at present 98 subjects (originally 97\ subjects) like defence, banking, foreign affairs, currency, atomic energy, insurance, communication , inter-state trade and commerce, census, audit and so on. ā¢ (ii) The state legislature has "in normal circumstances" exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List.ā
Why relevant
Duplicate/source corroboration of the three lists (Union, State, Concurrent) in the Seventh Schedule and examples of typical Union subjects.
How to extend
Use the pattern of which kinds of matters go to which list to judge whether a crossāstate phenomenon would more likely be listed under Union or State subjects.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 25: DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > p. 384
Strength: 5/5
āThus- (a) Professions Tax. (a) While Entry 60 of List II of Seventh Schedule . authorises a State Legislature to levy a tax on profession, trade. calling or employment. the total amount payable in respect of anyone person to the State ,or any other authority in the State by way of such tax shall not exceed Rs 2.500 per annum [Article 276(2)]. (b) Sales Tax. (b) The power to impose taxes on "sale or purchase of goods other than newspapers" belongs to the State. But "taxes on imports and exports" [Entry 83, List I] and "taxes on sales in the course of inter-State trade and commerce" [Entry 92A, List I] are exclusive Union subjects.ā
Why relevant
Gives concrete entries showing that matters described explicitly as 'interāState' (e.g., 'interāState trade and commerce') are placed in the Union List (List I).
How to extend
A student can generalize that items involving interāstate relations tend to be Union subjects and thus suspect 'interāState migration' may not be a State List entry.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 10: Land Reforms in India > LAND REFORM MEASURES POST-INDEPENDENCE > p. 339
Strength: 3/5
āUnder land reforms, three broad measures were taken:
As per the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, Land is a State subject and is under State list.
However, 'acquisition and requisitioning of property' is in the Concurrent list.ā
Why relevant
States explicitly that 'Land' is a State subject in the Seventh Schedule, showing examples of typical State List entries.
How to extend
A student can contrast subjects tied to intraāstate administration (like land) with crossāboundary matters to evaluate where 'interāState migration' might logically be placed.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 13: Cultural Setting > Internal Migration in India > p. 106
Strength: 3/5
āThe productive plains of Punjab and Haryana are also a great attraction for the internal migrants. During the summer season, migrants from the plain areas migrate to the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim (Fig. 13.38). At present, the rural-to-rural migrations are intra-district as inter-district migrations within the state and inter-state migration have declined. They are mostly for marriage, employment, education, and other socio-religious and cultural reasons. The rural-to-rural migration in search of jobs and education is mainly male selective.ā
Why relevant
Describes patterns of internal migration in India, including movements across state boundaries.
How to extend
Using this factual pattern, a student might reason that because migration frequently involves multiple states, its governance could be framed at the Union level rather than solely a State subject.
Statement 3
As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState quarantine" listed as a Union subject in the Union List?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
Strength: 5/5
ā!II Distribution of Legislative Subjects The Constitution provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and the states, viz. , List-I (the Union List), List-II (the State List) and List-HI (the Concurrent List) in the Seventh Schedule: (i) The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the Union List. This list has at present 98 subjects (originally 97\ subjects) like defence, banking, foreign affairs, currency, atomic energy, in surance, communication , inter-state trade and commerce, census, audit and so on. ā¢ (ii) The state legislature has "in normal circumstances" exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List.ā
Why relevant
Explains the three-fold legislative distribution in the Seventh Schedule and gives examples from the Union List (e.g., defence, foreign affairs, inter-state trade and commerce).
How to extend
A student could note that subjects explicitly involving 'interāstate' matters (like interāstate trade) tend to be in the Union List and check whether 'interāState quarantine' fits that pattern as a matter requiring uniform national law.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 15: Centre State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
Strength: 5/5
āThe Constitution provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative subjects between the Centre and the states, viz., List-I (the Union List), List-II (the State List) and List-III (the Concurrent List) in the Seventh Schedule: (i) The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the Union List. This list has at present 98 subjects (originally 97\ subjects) like defence, banking, foreign affairs, currency, atomic energy, insurance, communication , inter-state trade and commerce, census, audit and so on. ā¢ (ii) The state legislature has "in normal circumstances" exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List.ā
Why relevant
Repeats that Parliament has exclusive power on Union List subjects and lists examples including interāstate trade and commerce.
How to extend
Use the principle that matters needing nationwide uniformity are in the Union List to assess whether quarantine across states would logically be placed there; then verify by checking the actual Seventh Schedule entry wording.
Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > What makes India a federal country? > p. 16
Strength: 4/5
āThey are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. The Union Government alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the Union List. State List contains subjects of State and local importance, such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The State Governments alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the State List. Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both the Union Government as well as the State Governments, such Isn't that strange? Did our constitution makers not know about federalism? Or did they wish to avoid talking about it?ā
Why relevant
States the rationale: Union List contains subjects needing a uniform policy nationwide; State List contains subjects of local importance like police.
How to extend
Apply this rule to classify 'quarantine' ā if seen as a public health measure needing uniformity across states, a student might infer it could belong to the Union List and therefore should check the exact entries.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 17: THE NEW SYSTEM OF PANCHAYATS, MUNICIPALITIES, AND CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES > Special features of the new system. > p. 316
Strength: 3/5
āIt is to be recalled that "local government" including self-government institutions in both urban and rural areas is an exclusive State subject under Entry 5 of List II of the Seventh Schedule, so that the Union cannot enact any law to create rights and liabilities relating to these subjects. After implementing legislation was enacted by the States, elections have taken place in most of the States, and the Panchayats and Municipalities have started functioning under the new law. The Parliament passed the Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2011 with an objective to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic The 97th Constitution Amendment Act, 2011 and Controversy. control and professional management of Co-operative Societies.ā
Why relevant
Gives a concrete example of an exclusive State subject (local government) under a specific State List entry, illustrating how specific functions are allocated to State List.
How to extend
A student can contrast this with Union List examples to see whether quarantine is more like a 'local government/police' function (State) or an 'interāstate' concern (Union) before consulting the Seventh Schedule text.
Statement 4
As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "corporation tax" (tax on income of companies) listed as a State subject in the State List?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 35: TABLES > DISTRIBUTON QFLEGISLATIVE POWER > p. 556
Strength: 5/5
ā85. Corporation tax.
86. Taxes on the capital value of the assets, exclusive of agricultural land, of individuals
ā¢ List I-Union List.: and companies; taxes on the capital of
companies.; List II-State List.: ; List III-Concurrent List.:
ā¢ List I-Union List.: 87. Estate duty in respect of property other
than agricultural land.; List II-State List.: ; List III-Concurrent List.:
ā¢ List I-Union List.: 88. Duties in respect of succession to
property other than agricultural landā
Why relevant
The tabular excerpt explicitly lists an entry: '85. Corporation tax.' under the distributive-table of legislative powers, indicating corporation tax is a numbered entry in the Seventh Schedule tables.
How to extend
A student could look up Entry 85 in the Seventh Schedule to see whether it appears under List I (Union) or List II (State) to decide if it is a State subject.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > III Allocation of Taxing Powers > p. 152
Strength: 5/5
āThe Constitution divides the taxing powers between the Centre and the states in the following way: ā¢ The Parliament has exclusive power to levy taxes on subjects enumerated in the Union List (which are 13 in number). ā¢ The state legislature has exclusive power to levy taxes on subjects enumerated in the State List (which are 18 in number). ā¢ There are no tax entries in the Concurrent List. In other words, the concurrent jurisdiction is not valid with respect to tax legislation. the Parliament. Under this provision, the Parliament has imposed gift tax, wealth tax and expenditure tax. The Constitution also draws a distinction between the power to levy and collect a t.1X and the power to appropriate the proceeds of the tax so levied and collected.ā
Why relevant
States can levy taxes only on matters in the State List and Parliament has exclusive power on Union List taxesāso identifying which list contains an entry decides which level can tax.
How to extend
Combine this rule with the location of 'Corporation tax' (Entry 85) to infer whether states can legislate/levy it.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 15: Centre State Relations > III Allocation of Taxing Powers > p. 152
Strength: 4/5
āThe Constitution divides the taxing powers between the Centre and the states in the following way: ā¢ The Parliament has exclusive power to levy taxes on subjects enumerated in the Union List (which are 13 in number). ā¢ The state legislature has exclusive power to levy taxes on subjects enumerated in the State List (which are 18 in number). ā¢ There are no tax entries in the Concurrent List. In other words, the concurrent jurisdiction is not valid with respect to tax legislation. The Parliament. Under this provision, the Parliament has imposed gift tax, wealth tax and expenditure tax. The Constitution also draws a distinction between the power to levy and collect a t.1X and the power to appropriate the proceeds of the tax so levied and collected.ā
Why relevant
Repeats the principle that taxing powers follow the Seventh Schedule lists and that Parliament exclusively levies taxes on Union List entries.
How to extend
Use this constitutional rule plus the Entry number for corporation tax to determine whether it is within State competence.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 25: DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > p. 384
Strength: 3/5
āThus- (a) Professions Tax. (a) While Entry 60 of List II of Seventh Schedule . authorises a State Legislature to levy a tax on profession, trade. calling or employment. the total amount payable in respect of anyone person to the State ,or any other authority in the State by way of such tax shall not exceed Rs 2.500 per annum [Article 276(2)]. (b) Sales Tax. (b) The power to impose taxes on "sale or purchase of goods other than newspapers" belongs to the State. But "taxes on imports and exports" [Entry 83, List I] and "taxes on sales in the course of inter-State trade and commerce" [Entry 92A, List I] are exclusive Union subjects.ā
Why relevant
Gives a concrete example of a tax (Professions Tax) clearly located in Entry 60 of List II (State List), illustrating how specific taxes are assigned to State List entries.
How to extend
By analogy, check whether corporation tax's entry number is assigned to List II as Professions Tax is, to evaluate the statement.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > a l inter-Governmental Tax Immunities > p. 157
Strength: 2/5
āThe reason is that a corporation or a company is a separate legal entity. B. Exemption of State Property or Income from Central Taxation The property and income of a state is exempted from Central taxation. Such income may be derived from sovereign functions or commercial functions. But the Centre can tax the commercial operations of a state if Parliament so provides. However, the Parliament can declare any particular trade or business as incidental to the ordinary functions of the government and it would then not be taxable. Notably, the property and income of local authorities situated within a state are not exempted from the Central taxation.ā
Why relevant
Explains that a corporation is a separate legal entity and discusses inter-governmental taxation boundaries, suggesting corporate income taxation raises intergovernmental allocation issues.
How to extend
A student could use this background to appreciate why corporation tax would be placed in a specific list (likely Union) and then verify the list-entry placement.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC exploits the 'General vs Specific' gap. While 'Health' is generally State, 'Inter-State Quarantine' is specifically Union. The pattern is to test the specific exception that grants the Centre power during a crisis.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter for Bare Act users; Trap for summary readers. Source: Constitution of India, Seventh Schedule, List I (Entry 81) and List I (Entry 85).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Article 246 (Subject-matter of laws). The specific tension between 'Public Health' (State) vs 'Inter-State Quarantine' (Union) highlighted during the pandemic.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Health Triad': 1. Public Health & Sanitation (State List, Entry 6). 2. Inter-State Quarantine (Union List, Entry 81). 3. Prevention of extension of infectious diseases from one State to another (Concurrent List, Entry 29). Also, Corporation Tax is Union (Entry 85), while Taxes on Professions is State (Entry 60).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When a national crisis occurs (e.g., Pandemic, Migrant Crisis), map the specific legal terms used in news (Quarantine, Migration) directly to the Seventh Schedule. Do not rely on general 'Health is a State subject' heuristics.
Concept hooks from this question
š Seventh Schedule: threeāfold distribution of legislative subjects
š” The insight
The Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers into Union List, State List and Concurrent List, which determines which level of legislature may legislate on a topic.
Highāyield for UPSC: questions often ask which subjects fall under which list and the implications for CentreāState relations. Mastery helps answer sourceābased and constitutional allocation questions and links to Article 246 and federal governance topics.
š Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 15: Centre State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
š Anchor: "As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState trade ..."
š InterāState trade and commerce as a Union subject
š” The insight
InterāState trade and commerce is cited alongside Union List subjects, indicating central legislative competence rather than a State List entry.
Directly useful for questions on Centre's exclusive powers and taxation/commerce regulation (e.g., taxes in interāstate trade). Understanding this prevents misclassification of economic subjects in exams and helps in answers on Union control over interstate commerce.
š Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 25: DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > p. 384
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 15: Centre State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
š Anchor: "As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState trade ..."
š Article 301 and freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse
š” The insight
Articles 301ā307 establish the constitutional guarantee of freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse across India and frame the regulatory context for interstate commerce.
Important for UPSC mains and prelims: links constitutional provisions to legislative competence and centreāstate coordination. Useful for essay and polity answers on economic integration, restrictions permissible under the Constitution, and institutional mechanisms like InterāState Commerce/Trade commissions.
š Reading List :
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 27: INTER-STATE RELATIONS > II. Freedom of Inter-state Trade and Commerce > p. 408
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 16: Inter State Relations > INTER-STATE TRADE AND COMMERCE > p. 169
š Anchor: "As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState trade ..."
š Seventh Schedule: three-fold legislative distribution
š” The insight
Defines the Union List, State List and Concurrent List and assigns lawāmaking powers among them.
High-yield for UPSC because questions often ask which subjects fall under Union/State/Concurrent lists; mastering this clarifies centreāstate legislative competence and helps answer allocation and federalism questions.
š Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 15: Centre State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
š Anchor: "As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState migrat..."
š Typical State List subjects (land and state taxes)
š” The insight
Items such as land and taxes on professions or on sale/purchase within a State are specified as State List matters.
Important for spotting State legislative powers in polity and public policy questions; links to land reforms, taxation, and centreāstate fiscal relations ā frequent UPSC themes.
š Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 10: Land Reforms in India > LAND REFORM MEASURES POST-INDEPENDENCE > p. 339
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 25: DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL POWERS > p. 384
š Anchor: "As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState migrat..."
š Distinguishing interāstate matters from state matters
š” The insight
Matters involving interāstate trade/commerce fall under Union competence and interāstate issues often require central coordination or InterāState Council consultation.
Useful for solving questions about federal jurisdiction, interāstate coordination, and proposals to shift items between lists; helps frame answers on centreāstate disputes and institutional mechanisms.
š Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 89: National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution > ili on Centre-State and Inter-State Relations > p. 618
š Anchor: "As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState migrat..."
š Seventh Schedule: Three legislative lists
š” The insight
The Seventh Schedule organises legislative subjects into Union, State and Concurrent lists, which determines which level of government can legislate on a topic.
High-yield for UPSC because many constitutional and governance questions ask which subjects fall under which list; mastering this helps answer questions on CentreāState legislative competence and abnormal legislative powers. It connects directly to Articles on distribution of powers and to topics on federalism and intergovernmental relations.
š Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 15: Centre State Relations > II Distribution of Legislative Subjects > p. 145
š Anchor: "As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, is "interāState quaran..."
The 'Infectious Disease' Trap: While 'Inter-State Quarantine' is Union (Entry 81), the 'Prevention of the extension from one State to another of infectious or contagious diseases' is actually Concurrent (Entry 29). This subtle distinction is the next logical bouncer.
ā” Elimination Cheat Code
The 'Cross-Border' Heuristic: If a subject explicitly starts with 'Inter-State' (Trade, Migration, Quarantine), it logically requires a uniform national authority to adjudicate between two sovereign states. A single State cannot regulate 'Inter-State' matters effectively. Thus, Options A and B (claiming Inter-State items are State List) are logically impossible.
Mains GS-2 (Federalism) & GS-3 (Disaster Management): This distinction explains why the Centre invoked the Disaster Management Act (using residuary/concurrent powers) to enforce lockdowns, overriding the general 'Public Health' jurisdiction of States.