Five Year Plans

1First Plan (1951 - 56)

It was based on Harrod-Domar Model.Community Development Program was launched in 1952.Emphasized on agriculture, price stability, power & transport.It was more than a success, because of good harvests in the last two years.

2 Second Plan (1956 - 61)

Also called Mahalanobis Plan after its chief architect.Its objective was rapid industrialization.Advocated huge imports which led to emptying of funds leading to foreign loans. It shifted basic emphasis from agriculture to industry far too soon. During this plan, price level increased by 30%, against a decline of 13% during the First Plan.

3Third Plan (1961 - 66)

At its conception time, it was felt that Indian economy has entered a take-off stage. Therefore, its aim was to make India a 'self-reliant' and 'self-generating' economy.Also, it was realized from the experience of first two plans that agriculture should be given the top priority to suffice the requirement of export and industry.Complete failure due to unforeseen misfortunes, viz. Chinese aggression (1962), Indo-Pak war (1965), severest drought in 100 years (1965-66).

4Three Annual Plans (1966-69)

Plan holiday for 3years. The prevailing crisis in agriculture and serious food shortage necessitated the emhasis on agriculture during the Annual Plans.During these plans a whole new agricultural strategy involving wide-spread distribution of High-Yielding Varieties of seeds, the extensive use of fertilizers, exploitation of irrigation potential and soil conservation was put into action to tide-over the crisis in agricultural production.During the Annual Plans, the economy basically absorbed the shocks given during the Third Plan, making way for a planned growth.

5 Fourth Plan (1969 - 74)

Main emphasis on agriculture's growth rate so that a chain reaction can start.Fared well in the first two years with record production, last three years failure because of poor monsoon.Had to tackle the influx of Bangladeshi refugees before and after 1971 Indo-Pak war.

6Fifth Plan(1974-79)

The fifth plan prepared and launched by D.D. Dhar proposed to achieve two main objectives viz, 'removal of poverty' (Garibi Hatao) and 'attainment of self reliance', through promotion of high rate of growth, better distribution of income and a very significant growth in the domestic rate of savings. The plan was terminated in 1978 (instead of 1979) when Janta Govt.came to power.

7Rolling Plan (1978 - 80)

There were 2 Sixth Plans. One by Janta Govt. (for 78-83) which was in operation for 2 years only and the other by the Congress Govt. when it returned to power in 1980.

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8Sixth Plan (1980 - 85)

Objectives: Increase in national income, modernization of technology, ensuring continuous decrease in poverty and unemployment, population control through family planning, etc.

9 Seventh Plan (1985 - 90)

The Seventh plan emphasized policies and programs which aimed at rapid growth in food-grains production, increased employment opportunities and productivity within the framework of basic tenants of planning.It was a great success, the economy recorded 6% growth rate against the targeted 5%.

10 Eighth Plan (1992 - 97)

The eighth plan was postponed by two years because of political upheavals at the Centre and it was launched after a worsening Balance of Payment position and inflation during 1990-91.The plan undertook various drastic policy measures to combat the bad economic situation and to undertake an annual average growth of 5.6%Some of the main economic performances during eighth plan period were rapid economic growth, high growth of agriculture and allied sector, and manufacturing sector, growth in exports and imports, improvement in trade and current account deficit.

11Ninth Plan (1997- 2002)

It was developed in the context of four important dimensions: Quality of life, generation of productive employment, regional balance and self-reliance.

12Tenth Plan (2002 - 2007)

To achieve the growth rate of GDP @ 8%.Reduction of poverty ratio to 20% by 2007 and to 10% by 2012.Providing gainful high quality employment to the addition to the labour force over the tenth plan period.Universal access to primary education by 2007.Reduction in gender gaps in literacy and wage rates by atleast 50% by 2007.Reduction in decadal rate of population growth between 2001 and 2011 to 16.2%.Increase in literacy rate to 72% within the plan period and to 80% by 2012.Reduction of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to 45 per 1000 live births by 2007 and to 28 by 2012.Increase in forest and tree cover to 25% by 2007 and 33% by 2012.All villages to have sustained access to potable drinking water by 2012.Cleaning of all major polluted rivers by 2007 and other notified stretches by 2012.

Important Antipoverty Employment Generation Programs

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1Swaranjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGRY)

Started on April 1, 1999. It has replaced the following programs:Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) : Started in 1978 - 79). Training Rural Youth for Self -Employment (TRYSEM): Started in 1978-79.Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA): Started in 1978 -79. Ganga Kalyan Yojana (GKY): Started in 1997. Million Wells Scheme (MWS): Started in 1989. Supply of Improved Tool-kits to Rural Artisans (SITRA). The yojana takes into account all the strengths and weaknesses of the earlier self-employment programs. Every assisted family will be brought above the poverty line. It is proposed to cover 30% of the rural poor in each block. To Target at atleast 50% Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, 40% women and 3% disabled.

2Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY)

It was introduced in 2000-01 with the objective of focusing on village level development in five critical areas I.e., primary health, primary education, housing, rural roads and drinking water and nutrition with the overall objective of improving the quality of life of people in rural areas. Rural electrification was added as an additional component from 2001-02. It has the following components: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (Gramin Awas). Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (Rural Drinking Water Project).

3Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY)

It was started on Sept. 25,2001, with the mergence of the Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) and the Jawahar Gram Samriddhi Yojana (JGSY). Earlier Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, which started in 1989, was merged with Jawahar Gram Samriddhi Yojana. The objective of the program is to provide additional wage employment in rural areas and also to provide food security.

4Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY)

The SJSRY came into operation in Dec, 1997, through a restructuring and streamlining of the earlier urban poverty alleviation programs, the Nehru Rozgar Yojana (NRY), the Urban Basic Services for the Poor (UBSP) and the Prime Minister's Integrated Urban Poverty alleviation Program (PMIUPEP). It seeks to provide employment to the urban employed or underemployed living below poverty line and educated up to IX standard through encouraging the setting up of self-employment ventures or provision of wage employment.

5 Antyodaya Anna Yojana

Launched on Dec. 25,2000. The scheme aims at providing food security to poor families. The scheme contemplates identification of 10 million 'poorest of the poor' families and providing the \m with 25kg

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of food grains per family per month at a low price of Rs.2 per Kg for wheat and Rs.3 per Kg for rice.

6 Annapurna Yojana

Inaugurated on March 19, 1999. Initially the scheme provided 10 kg food grains to senior citizens who were eligible fore old age pension but could not get it due to one reason or the other. Later on, it was extended to cover those people who get old age pensions. Food grains are provided to the beneficiaries at subsidized rates of Rs.2 per kg of wheat and Rs.3 per kg of rice.

Industries in India

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1 Cotton Textile

Most important industry in terms of employment and production of export goods. In Maharashtra (Mumbai, Sholapur, Pune, Kolhapur, Satara, Wardha, Hajipur), Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Bhavnagar), Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore Manchestor of South India). Tamil Nadu has the largest number of cotton textile mills in India

2 JuteIndia manufactures the largest quantity of jute goods in the world. Mainly located in West Bengal, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, UP, MP

3 Silk Textile

The location of silk industry is governed by two factors - prevalence of sericulture practices and availability of skilled labour. Karnataka is the leading producer, followed by West Bengal, Bihar, etc

4 Woollen TextilesIn Punjab (Dhariwal, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Ferozpur), Maharashtra (Mumbai), UP (Kanpur, Mirzapur, Agra, Tanakpur), etc

5 Iron and steel

Located near the sources of raw materials and fuel (coal). In Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), Durgapur, Burnpur (W.B.), Bhadrwati (Karnataka), Bokaro (Jharkhand), Rourkela (Orissa), Bhilai (Chhatisgarh), Salem (T.N.), Vishakhapatnam (A.P.)

6 Aluminium Smelting

Located mainly near the sources of raw materials, means of transport and cheap electricity. In Hirakud, Koraput (Orissa), Renukoot (UP), Korba (MP), Ratnagiri (Maharashtra), Mettur (TN), Alwaye

7 Copper Smelting In Khetri, Alwar, Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan), Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Agnigundala (A.P.)

8Heavy Machinery Machine Tools Industry

In Ranchi, Vishakapattnam, Durgapur, Tiruchirapalli, Mumbai, Naini it forms the basis for the manufacturing of industrial, defence equipments, automobiles, railway engines and electrical machinery. In Bangalore, Pinjore (Haryana), Kalamassery (Kerala), Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Srinagar, Ajmer.

9Heavy Electrical Equipments

Power generation equipments. In Bhopal, Tiruchirapalli, Jammu, Ramchandrapuram (Hyderabad), Hardwar, Bangalore, and Jagdishpur (UP).

10 Railway Equipments

Locomotives: In Chittaranjan (WB), Varanasi, Jamshedpur, Bhopal. Coaches: Perambur(TN), Kapurthala (Punjab), also at Bangalore and Kolkata.

11 Ship BuildingHindustan Shipyard at Vishakhapatnam, Cochin Shipyard, Mumbai (Mazgaon Dock) and Kolkata (Garden Reach Workshop). For Indian Navy, only at Mazgaon

12 Cycles In Mumbai, Asansol, Sonepat, Delhi, Chennai, Jalandhar and Ludhiana

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13 Tractors At Faridabad, Pinjore, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai

14 Fertilizers

The location of fertilizer industry is closely related to petro-chemicals. About 70% of the plants producing nitrogenous fertilizers use naphtha as raw material Naphtha is a by-product of oil refiners. Phosphate plants are dependent on mineral phosphate found in UP and MP. Now natural gas based fertilizer plants are also being set up. The Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCL) was setup up in 1961. National Fertilizer Limited (NFL) was set up in 1974. In Sindri (Bihar), Nangal, Trombay, Gorakhpur, Durgapur, Namrup, Cochin, Rourkela, Neyveli, Varanasi, Vadodara, Vishakhapattnam, Kota and Kanpur

15Pharmaceuticals and Drugs

Antibiotics are prepared at Pimpri and Rishikesh. The Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited has 5 plants at Hyderabad, Rishikesh, Chennai, Gurgaon and Muzaffarpur. A number of other units are concentrated in Mumbai, Baroda, Delhi, Kolkata and Kanpur.

16 Pesticides Delhi and Alwaye

17 Sugar Industry UP, Maharashtra, AP, TN, Karnataka and Bihar

18 Aircraft

Hindustan Aeronautics India Ltd. Was formed by merging two aircraft factories at Bangalore and Kanpur. Four other factories are at Nasik, Hyderabad, Koraput (Orissa), Lucknow

19 Rubber Industry Bareilly (UP), Baroda (Gujarat) - Synthetic Rubber Units, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar - Reclaimed Rubber Units

Supreme Court of India

1 Status Stands at the apex of the judicial system of India. Consists of Chief Justice & 25 other judges.

2 Appointment

The senior most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the Chief Justice of India. Other judges are appointed by the President after consultation with such judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Court as the President may deem necessary.

3 Qualification

Citizen of India Have been a judge of High Court for 5 yrs or An advocate of High Court for 10 yrs minimum or In President's view, a distinguished jurist of the country.

4 Term & Salary The Chief Justice & other judges hold office till 65 yrs of age. Can give resignation to President.

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Can be removed by the Parliament. After retirement, a judge of Supreme Court cannot plead or act before any authority. Salary: Chief Justice - 33,000/- per month, Other Judges - 30,000/- per month

5Removal of Judges

A motion seeking the removal of the judge can be preferred before either House of the Parliament. The resolution should be supported by a majority of total membership of both houses & by 2/3 majority of the members present & voting.

6Jurisdiction of The Supreme Court

Original Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court settles all disputes between Centre - State, State - State, etc.

Writ Jurisdiction: Every individual has the right to move the Supreme Court directly by appropriate proceedings for the enforcement of his Fundamental Rights. Advisory Jurisdiction: If the President seeks the advice of Supreme Court, it is duty bound to give its opinion. (Its opinion isn't a binding of President).

Revisory Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court under Article 137 is empowered to review any judgement or order made by it with a view to removing any mistake or error that might have crept in the judgement or order.

It is a court of record as its decisions are of evidentiary value & cannot be questioned in any court.

The Supreme Court also enjoys the power of Judicial review as it can ensure that the laws passed by legislature and orders issued by the executive do not contravene any provision of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court decides disputes regarding the election of the President and the Vice President.

The Supreme Court recommends the removal of members of UPSC to the President.

Parts of the Constitution

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Part - I (Article 1 - 4)

Deals with territory of India formation of new states, alterations, names of existing states.

Part - II (Art. 5 - 11)

Deals with various rights of citizenship.

Part - III (Art. 12 - 35)

Deals with fundamental rights of Indian citizens. (Art. 31 - dealing with the right to property was deleted by 44th amendment).

Part - IV (Art. 36-51)

Deals with Directive Principles of State Policy.

Part - IV - A (Art. 51A)

Added by 42nd amendment in 1976. Contains the duties of the citizens.

Part - V (Art. 52 - 151)

Deals with govt. at the Union Level. (Duties & Function of PM, Ministers, Presidents, Attorney General, Parliament - Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha, Comptroller & Auditor General).

Part - VI (Art. 152 - 237)

Deals with govt. at the State Level. (Duties & functions of Chief Minister & his ministers, Governor, State legislature, High Court, Advocate General of the State).

Part - VII (Art. 238)

Deals with States, was replaced in 1956 by the 7th amendment.

Part - VIII (Art. 239 - 241)

Deals with Union Territories.

Part - IX

Consists of 2 parts:1. Added by 73rd amendment in 1992. Contains a new schedule 'SCHEDULE ELEVEN'. It contains 29 subjects related to Panchayati Raj. (They have been given administrative powers). 2. Added by 74th amendment in 1992. Contains a new schedule 'SCHEDULE TWELVE'. It contains 18 subjects related to Municipalities. (They have been given administrative powers).

Part - X (Art. 244, 244A)

Deals with Scheduled & Tribal Areas.

Part - XI (Art. 245 - 263)

Deals with relation between Union & States.

Part - XII (Art. 264 - 300A)

Deals with distribution of revenue between Union & States, appointment of Finance Commission (Article 280), contracts, liabilities etc.

Part - XIII (Art.301 - 307)

Relates to trade, commerce & intercourse within the Territory of India.

Part - XIV (Art.308 - 323)

Deals with UPSC and Public Service Commissions.

Part - XV (Art.324 - 329)

Deals with elections (Also Election Commission)

Part - XVI Deals with special provisions for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled

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(Art.330 - 342) Tribed & Anglo - Indian Representation.

Part - XVII (Art. 343 - 351)

Relates to official language.

Part, XVIII (Art.352 - 360)

Deals with emergency provisions.

Part - XIX (Art.361 - 367)

Exemption of criminal proceedings for their official acts as President & Governors.

Part - XX (Art. 368)

Deals with Amendment of Constitution.

Part - XXI (Art.369 - 392)

(Art-369 gives temporary powers to the Parliament to make laws for State list).(Art -370 contains temporary provisions of J & K - Restricts the parliament to make laws for that State).

Part - XXII (Art.393 - 395)

Concerns the short title, commencement and repeal of the Constitution.

Part - XIV - A (Art.323A, 323B)

By 42nd amendment in 1976. Deals with administrative tribunals set up by parliament to hear disputes & complaints regarding Union, States or local govt.Employees.

Important Constitutional Amendments

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1First Amendment 1951

Added Ninth Schedule.

2Seventh Amendment 1956

Necessitated on account of reorganisation of States on a linguistic basis

3Eighth Amendment 1959

Extended special provisions for reservations of seats for SCs, STs and Anglo-Indian in Lok Sabha and Leg. Assemblies for a period of 10 years from1960 to 1970.

4The Ninth Amendment 1960

Gave effect to transfer certain territories to Pakistan following the 1958 Indo-Pak agreement.

5The Tenth Amendment 1961

Incorporated Dadra & Nagar Haveli as a UT.

6Twelfth Amendment 1962

Incorporated Goa, Daman & Diu as a UT.

7Thirteenth Amendment 1962

Created Nagaland as a State.

8Fourteenth Amendment 1963

Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, the former French territories were included in the I schedules as UT of Pondicherry.

9Eighteenth Amendment 1966

Reorganised Punjab into Punjab, Haryana and UT of Chandigarh.

10Twenty first Amendment 1967

Included Sindhi as the Fifteenth Regional language.

11Twenty second Amendment 1969

Created a sub-state of Meghalaya with in Assam.

12Twenty third Amendment 1969

Extended the reservation of seats for SC/ST and nomination of Anglo-Indians for a further period of 10 years (till 1980).

13Twenty sixth Amendment 1971

Abolished the titles and special privileges of former rulers of princely states.

14Twenty seventh Amendment 1971

Established Manipur and Tripura as States and Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh as UTs.

15 Thirty first Increased the elective Strength of LS from 525 to 545. The

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Amendment 1973

upper limit of representatives of States went up from 500 to 525.

16Thirty sixth Amendments 1975

Made Sikkim a State

17Thirty eight Amendment 1975

Provided that the President can make a declaration of emergency, and the promulgation of ordinances by the President, Governors and the Administrative Heads of Uts would be final and could not be challenged in any court. It also authorised the President to declare different kinds of emergencies.

18Thirty ninth Amendment 1975

Placed beyond challenge in courts, the election to Parliament of a person holding the office of PM or Speaker and election of the President and Prime Minister.

19Forty fourth Amendment 1978

The Right to Property was deleted from Part III. Article 352 was amended to provide 'Armed Rebellion' as one of the circumstances for declaration of emergency.

20Forty fifth Amendment 1985

Extended reservation for SC/ST by another 10 years (till 1990)

21Fifty second Amendment 1985

Added the Tenth Schedule (regarding anti-defection)

22Fifty third Amendment 1986

Mizoram was made a state

23Fifty fifth Amendment 1986

Conferred state hood to Arunchal Pradesh

24Fifty sixth Amendment 1987

Hindi version of the Constitution of India was accepted for all purposes. The UT of Goa, Daman and Diu was divided and Goa was made a State. Daman and Diu remained as a UT.

25Sixty first Amendment 1989

Reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years for the LS as well as Assemblies

26Sixty first Amendment 1989

Also extended reservation of seats for SC/ST till 2000 AD.

27Seventy first Amendment 1992

Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were included in the VIII Schedule.

28 Seventy third Amendment 1993

(Panchayati Raj Bill) Provided among other things Gram Sabha in Villages, constitution of panchayats at the village and other levels, direct elections to all seats in panchayats

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and reservations of seats for the SC and ST and fixing of tenure of 5 years for panchayats.

29Seventy Fourth Amendment 1993

(Nagarpalika Bill) Provides for, among other things, constitution of three types of municipalities, reservation of seats in every municipality for the SC and ST, women and the backward classes.

30Eighty second Amendment 2000

Reinstaled the provision of reservation of SC and STs in matters related to promotion. Besides, the qualifying marks for passing an examination for them has also been lowered.

31Eighty fourth Amendment 2001

Extended freeze on Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats till 2026.

32Eighty sixth Amendment 2002

Makes education a fundamental right for children in the age group of 6 - 14 years.

33Eighty seventh Amendment 2003

Made the 2001 census the basis for delimitation of constituencies of the Lower House of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and State assemblies (Vidhan Sabhas)

34Ninety first Amendment 2003

Amended the Anti - Defection Law and also made a provision that the number of ministers in the Central & State Govts. Cannot be more than 15% of the strength of Lok Sabha & respected Vidhan Sabha.

35Ninety second Amendment 2003

Bodo, Maithili, Santhali and Added into the VIII Schedule.

Election Commission (Article 324)

Status: The Constitution provides for an independent election commission to ensure

free and fair election to the Parliament, the State legislature and the offices of President and Vice-President.

Consists of Chief Election Commissioner +2 Election Commissioners. They all enjoy equal powers.

The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President and the other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Election Commissioner. Article 324 also provides for the appointment of Regional Commissioners at the time of General Elections after

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consultation with the Election Commission.

Election Commissioners are appointed for a term of 5yrs.

They are not eligible for re-appointment. Also, they cannot hold any office of profit after their retirement.

The term of 5yrs can by cut short by resignation or removal by President on recommendation of the Parliament (Same as that of Judge of the Supreme Court).

Functions: Preparation of electoral rolls & keeping voters list updated.

Preparation of code of conductor for all political parties.

Recognition of various political parties & allotment of election symbols.

Appointment of election officers to look into disputes concerning election arrangements.

To examine the returns of election expenses filed by the candidate.

Fundamental Rights

Right to Equality

Article 14

Equality before law and equal protection of law

Article 15

Prohibition of discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.

Article 16

Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.

Article 17

End of untouchability

Article 18

Abolition of titles, Military and academic distinctions are, however, exempted.

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Right to Freedom of Religion

Article 25

Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.

Article 26

Freedom to manage religious affairs

Article 27

Prohibits taxes on religious grounds

Article 28

Freedom as to attendance at religious ceremonies in certain educational institutions

Right Against Exploitation

Article 23 Traffic in human beings prohibited

Article 24 No child below the age of 14 can be employed

Right to Freedom of Religion

Article 25

Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.

Article 26

Freedom to manage religious affairs

Article 27

Prohibits taxes on religious grounds

Article 28

Freedom as to attendance at religious ceremonies in certain educational institutions

Cultural and Educational Rights

Article 29 Protection of interests of minorities

Article 30 Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.

Article 31 Omitted by the 44th Amendment Act.

Right to Constitutional Remedies

Article 32

The right to move the Supreme Court in case of their violation (called Soul and heart of the Constitution by DR Ambedkar).

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The New States Created After 1950

1 Andhra Pradesh Created by the State of Andhra Pradesh Act, 1953 by carving out some areas from the State of Madras

2Gujarat and Maharashtra

The State of Bombay was divided into two States, I.e., Maharashtra and Gujarat by the Bombay (Reorganisation) Act, 1960

3 Kerala Created by the State Reorganisation Act, 1956. Te comprised Travancor and Cochin areas.

4 Karnataka Created from the Princely State of Mysore by the State Reorganisation Act, 1956. It was renamed Karnataka in 1973.

5 Nagaland It was carved out from the State of Assam by the State of Nagaland Act, 1962.

6 Haryana It was carved out from the State of Punjab by the Punjab (Reorganisation) Act, 1966

7 Himachal Pradesh

The Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh was elevated to the status of State by the State of Himachal Pradesh Act, 1970

8 Meghalaya

First carved out as a sub-State within the State of Assam by 23rd Constitutional Amendment, 1969. Later in 1971, it received the status of a full-fledged State by the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act. 1971

9Manipur and Tripura

Both these States were elevated from the status of Union Territories by the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

10 SikkimSikkim was first given the Status of Associate State by the 35th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1974. It got the status of a full State in 1975 by the 36th Amendment Act, 1975.

11 Mizoram It was elevated to the Status of a full State by the State of Mizoram Act, 1986.

12 Arunachal Pradesh

It received the status of a full State by the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986.

13 Goa

Goa was separated from the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu and was made a full-fledged State by the Goa, Daman and Diu Reorganisation Act, 1987. But Daman and Diu remained as Union Territory

14 Chhattisgarh Formed by the Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000 by dividing Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 2000

15 Uttaranchal Formed by the Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000 by

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dividing Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000

16 Jharkhand Formed by the Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000 by dividing Bihar on November 15,2000.

Parliament of India

LOK SABHA:

Maximum strength - 550 + 2 nominated members. (530 - States/ 20 - Union Territories)

Present strength of Lok Sabha - 545.

The Eighty Fourth Amendment, 2001, extended freeze on Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats till 2026.

The normal tenure of the Lok Sabha is five years, but it may be dissolved earlier by the President. The life of the Lok Sabha can be extended by the Parliament beyond the five year term, when a proclamation of emergency under Article 352 is in force. But the Parliament cannot extend the normal life of the Lok Sabha for more

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than one year at a time (no limit on the number of times in the Constitution).

The Candidate must be: (a) Citizen of India. (b) Atleast 25 yrs of age. (c ) Mustn't hold any office of profit. (d) No unsound mind/ insolvent. (e) Has registered as voter in any Parliamentary Constituency.

Oath of MPs is conducted by the Speaker. Can resign, by writing to Speaker.

Presiding officer is Speaker (In his absence Deputy Speaker). The members among themselves elect him.

The Speaker continues in office even after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha till a newly elected Lok Sabha meets.

Usually the Speaker, after his election cuts-off all connection with his party & acts in an impartial manner. He does not vote in the first instance, but exercises his casting vote only to remove a deadlock.

Charges his salary from Consolidated Fund of India.

Speaker sends his resignation to deputy Speaker.

The Majority of the total membership can remove Speaker after giving a 14 days notice. (During this time, he doesn't preside over the meetings). After his removal, continues in office till his successor takes charge.RAJYA SABHA

Maximum Strength - 250 {Out of these, President nominates 12 amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of literature, science, art and social service}.

Presently, the Parliament, by law, has provided for 233 seats for the States and the Union Territories. The total membership of Rajya Sabha is thus 245.

All the States and the Union Territories of Delhi and Pondicherry are represented in the Rajya Sabha.

Representatives of the State are elected by members of State legislative assemblies on the basis of proportional representation through a single transferable vote.

There are no seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Rajya Sabha.

The candidate must be:  (a) Citizen of India.  (b) 30 yrs of age. (c ) Be a parliamentary elector in the State in which he is seeking election. (d) Others as prescribed by parliament from time-to-time.

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The Rajya Sabha MPs are elected for a term of 6 years, as 1/3rd members retire every 2 years.

Vice-President is the ex-officio chairman of Rajya Sabha. He presides over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha as long as he does not act as the President of India during a vacancy in the office of the President of India.

Also a deputy chairman is elected from its members.

In Rajya Sabha any bill can originate, apart from money bill (including budget).

President

1 Qualification

Must be a citizen of India.Completed 35 yrs in age.Eligible to be a member of Lok Sabha.Must not hold any Government post. Exceptions:President and Vice-President.Governor of any State.Minister of Union or State.

2 Election

Indirectly elected through 'Electoral College' consisting of Elected members of both the Houses of Parliament & Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States. (No nominated members).Security deposit - 15,000/-Supreme Court inquires all disputes regarding President's election.Takes OATH in presence of Chief Justice of India, or in his absence, senior most judge of Supreme Court.

3 Term & Emoluments

5 year termArticle 57 says that there is no upper limit on the no. of times a person can ecome President.Can give resignation to Vice President before full-term.Present Salary - 50,000/month (including allowances & emoluments).

4 Impeachment

Quasi-judicial procedure.Can be impeached only on the ground of violation of Constitution.The impeachment procedure can be initiated in either House of the Parliament.

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5 Vacancy

In case the office falls vacant due to death, resignation or removal, the Vice-President acts as President. If he is not available then Chief Justice, if not then senior-most judge of Supreme Court shall act as the President of India.The election is to be held within 6 months of the vacancy.

7 Powers

Appoints PM, ministers, Chief Justice & Judges of Supreme Court & High courts, Chairman & members of UPSC, Comptroller and Auditor General, Attorney General, Chief Election Commissioner and other members of Election Commission, Governors, Members of Finance Commission, Ambassadors, etc.Can summon & prorogue the sessions of the 2 houses & can dissolve Lok Sabha.Appoints Finance Commission (after every 5 yrs) that recommends distribution of taxes between Union & State govts.Appoints the Chief Justice and the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.The President can promulgate 3 types of Emergencies:National Emergency (Article 352)State Emergency (President's Rule) (Article 356)Financial Emergency (Article 360)He is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces of India.President appoints Chiefs of Army, Navy & Air Force.Declares wars & concludes peace subject to the approval of the Parliament.

Prime Ministers of India

Jawahar Lal Nehru 15.08.1947 27.05.1964

Gulzari Lal Nanda 27.05.1964 09.06.1964

Lal Bahadur Shastri 09.06.1964 11.01.1966

Gulzari Lal Nanda 11.01.1966 24.01.1966

Indira Gandhi 24.01.1966 24.03.1977

Morarji Desai 24.03.1977 28.07.1979

Charan Singh 28.07.1979 14.01.1980

Indira Gandhi 14.01.1980 31.10.1984

Rajiv Gandhi 31.10.1984 01.12.1989

V.P.Singh 02.12.1989 10.11.1990

Chandra Shekhar 10.11.1990 21.06.1991

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P.V.Narsimha Rao 21.06.1991 16.05.1996

Atal Bihari Vajpayee 16.05.1996 01.06.1996

H.D. Deve Gowda 01.06.1996 21.04.1997

I.K.Gujral 21.04.1997 18.03.1998

Atal Bihari Vajpayee 19.03.1998 12.10.1999

Atal Bihari Vajpayee 13.10.1999 21.05.2004

Dr.Manmohan Singh 22.05.2004 Till Date

Vice President

1 Election

Elected by both the houses (Electoral College) in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote and the vote being secret. Nominated members also participate in his election.

The Supreme Court has the final and exclusive jurisdiction for resolving disputes and doubts relating to the election of the Vice-President.

2 Criteria

Citizen of India.

More than 35 yrs of age

Possess the qualification for membership of Rajya Sabha.

Not hold any office of profit under union, state or local authority. However, for this purpose, the President, Vice-President, Governor of a State and a Minister of the Union or a State, are not held to be holding an office of profit.

3 Other Points

Holds office for 5 yrs. Can be re-elected.

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Term can be cut short if he resigns or by a resolution of the Raja Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.

He is the ex-officio chairman of Rajya Sabha. Since he is not a member of Rajya Sabha, he has no right to vote.

Being the Vice President of India, he is not entitled for any salary, but he is entitled to the salary and allowances payable to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

All bills, resolution, motion can be taken in Rajya Sabha after his consent.

Can discharge the function of President if the post falls vacant. (For maximum 6 months).

When he discharges the functions of the President, the Vice President shall not perform the duties of the office of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha and shall not be entitled to receive the salary of the Chairman. During this period, he is entitled for the salary and privileges of the President of India.

Present salary is Rs.40,000/- per month.

Presidents of India

1 Dr. Rajendra Prasad 26.01.1950 13.05.1962

2 Dr. S. Radhakrishnan 13.05.1962 13.05.1967

3 Dr. Zakir Hussain 13.05.1967 03.05.1969

4 V.V.Giri (Vice President)# 03.05.1969 20.07.1969

5 Justice M. Hidayatullah*# 20.07.1969 24.08.1969

6 V.V. Giri 24.08.1969 24.08.1974

7 F. Ali Ahmed 24.08.1974 11.02.1977

8 B.D. Jatti# 11.02.1977 25.07.1977

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9 N. Sanjiva Reddy 25.07.1977 25.07.1982

10 Gaini Jail Singh 25.07.1982 25.07.1987

11 R. Venkataraman 25.07.1987 25.071992

12 Dr.S.D. Sharma 25.07.1992 25.07.1997

13 K.R. Narayanan 25.07.1997 25.07.2002

14 Dr.A.P. J. Abdul Kalam 25.07.2002 25.07.2007

15 Pratibha Patil 25.07.2007 Till Date

Source:

http://www.winentrance.com/General_Knowledge/

Representation of States and Union Territories

SNo State / UTs Lok Sabha Rajya Sabha

1 Andhra Pradesh 42 18

2 Arunachal Pradesh 2 1

3 Assam 14 7

4 Bihar 40 16

5 Jharkhand 14 6

6 Goa 2 1

7 Gujarat 26 11

8 Haryana 10 5

9 Himachal Pradesh 4 3

10 Jammu & Kashmir 6 4

11 Karnataka 28 12

12 Kerala 20 9

13 Madhya Pradesh 29 11

14 Chattisgarh 11 5

15 Maharashtra 48 19

16 Manipur 2 1

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17 Meghalaya 2 1

18 Mizoram 1 1

19 Nagaland 1 1

20 Orissa 21 10

21 Punjab 13 7

22 Rajasthan 25 10

23 Sikkim 1 1

24 Tamil Nadu 39 18

25 Tripura 2 1

26 Uttar Pradesh 80 31

27 Uttaranchal 5 3

28 West Bengal 42 16

29 Andaman & Nicobar 1 -

30 Chandigarh 1 -

31 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 1 -

32 Daman & Diu 1 -

33 Delhi 7 3

34 Lakshadweep 1 -

35 Pondicherry 1 1

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Name of Parliments and Countries

SNo Country Name of Parliment

1 Afghanistan Hal-o-Aqad (National Assembly)

2 Albania People's Assembly

3 Algeria National People's Assembly

4 Angola National People's Assembly

5 Argentina National Congress

6 Australia Federal Parliament (House of Representatives and Senate)

7 Austria National Assembly

8 Bahamas General Assembly (House of Assembly and Senate)

9 Belize National Assembly

10 Benin National Revolutionary Assembly

11 Bhutan Tshogdu (National Assembly)

12 Bolivia National Congress

13 Botswana National Assembly

14 Brazil National Congress

15 Britain Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords)

16 Bulgaria Narodno Subranie (National Assembly)

17 Cambodia (Kampuchea)

National Assembly

18 Canada Parliament (House of Commons and Senate)

19 Cape Verde People's National Assembly

20 China, Mainland National People's Congress

21 China, National Yuan (National Assembly)

22 Colombia Congress

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23 Cuba National Assembly of People's Power

24 Denmark Folketing

25 Egypt People's Assembly

26 France National Assembly

27 Germany Bundestag (Lower House) and Bundesrat (Upper House)

28 Guyana National Assembly

29 Hungary National Assembly

30 Iceland Althing

31 India Parliament (LoK Sabha and Rajya Sabha)

32 Indonesia People's Consultative Assembly

33 Iran Majis

34 Iraq National Assembly

35 IrelandOireachtas of National Parliament (Dail Eireann, House of Representatives and Seanad Eireann, Senate)

36 Israel Knesset

37 Japan Diet

38 Jordan National Assembly

39 Kenya National Assembly

40 Korea (North) Supreme People's Assembly

41 Korea (South) National Assembly

42 Kuwait National Assembly

43 Laos People's Supreme Assembly

44 Liberia National Assembly

45 Libya General People's Congress

46 Madagascar National People's Assembly

47 Malaysia Parliament (Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara)

48 Maldives Majlis

49 Mongolia Great People's Khural

50 Mozambique People's Assembly

51 Myanmar (Burma) Pyithu Hluttaw (People's Assembly)

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52 Nepal National Panchayat

53 Netherlands Staten General

54 New Zealand Parliament (House of Representatives)

55 Norway Storting

56 Papua New Guinea National Parliament

57 Poland Sejm

58 Romania Grand National Assembly

59 Russia Supreme Soviet

60 Senegal National Assembly

61 Seychelles People's Assembly

62 Somalia People's Assembly

63 South Africa House of Assembly

64 Spain Cortes

65 Sudan National Assembly

66 Suninam Staten

67 Sweden Riksdag

68 Switzerland Federal Assembly (Nationairat and Standerat)

69 Syria People's Council

70 Tunisia Grand National Assembly

71 U.S.A. Congress (House of Representatives and Senate)

72 Vanuatu Representative Assembly

73 Venezuela National Congress

74 Vietnam National Assembly

75 Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo)

National Legislative Council

76 Zambia National Assembly

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INDIAN STATESGeneral Knowledge Home Page

States Capital Languages

Andra Pradesh Hyderabad Telugu and Urdu

Arunachal Pradesh Itanager Miji, Apotanji, Merdukpen, Tagin,Adi, Honpa, Bangini-Nishi.

Assam Dispur Assamese

Bihar Patna Hindi

Chhattisgarh Raipur Hindi

Goa Panaji Marathi and Konkani

Gujarat Gandhinagar Gujarati

Haryana Chandigarh Hindi

Himachal Pradesh Shimla Hindi and Pahari

Mizoram Aizawl Mizo and English

Jammu & Kashmir Srinagar (Summer)Jammu (Winter)

Kashmiri,Dogri, Urdu, Ladakhi,Pahari,Punjabi and Dadri

Jharkhand Ranchi Hindi

Karnataka Bangalore Kannda

Kerala Trivandrum Malayalam

Madhya Pradesh Bhopal Hindi

Maharashtra Bombay Marathi

Manipur Imphal Manipuri

Meghalaya Shillong Khasi, Jaintia and Garo

Nagaland Kohima Ao, Konyak, Angami, Sema and Lotha

Orissa Bhubaneswar Oriya

Punjab Chandigarh Punjabi

Rajasthan Jaipur Rajasthani and Hindi

Sikkim Gangtok Bhutia, Hindi, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu

Tamil Nadu Chennai Tamil

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Tripura Agartala Bengali, Tripuri, Manipuri, Kakborak

Uttar Pradesh Lucknow Hindi

Uttaranchal Dehra Dun Hindi

West Bengal Calcutta Bengali

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