Polity & Governance

74th Constitutional Amendment

The 74th Amendment to the Constitution of India , enacted in 1992, aimed to empower urban local bodies (ULBs) by granting constitutional recognition and autonomy to municipalities. It mandated the establishment of elected municipal governments and devolved powers related to urban planning, water supply, sanitation, and social welfare. The amendment introduced provisions for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women. It also created State Finance Commissions to recommend financial devolution to ULBs. Despite its objectives, many states have implemented it unevenly, limiting the amendment’s intended impact on urban governance and local self-government.

Why in news?

The Union Budget 2025 referenced the 74th Amendment while announcing the Urban Challenge Fund, denoting the ongoing challenges in fulfilling its vision of autonomous urban governance.

97th Constitutional Amendment

The 97th Constitutional Amendment , enacted in 2011, amended the Constitution of India to regulate cooperative societies. It introduced Part IXB, granting the state authority to make laws for cooperative societies, emphasizing democratic management and accountability . The amendment mandates the registration of cooperatives under state laws, protects their autonomy, and promotes cooperative principles. It also aims to improve governance by ensuring transparency and member participation. The amendment was a response to the growing economic importance of cooperatives and the need for uniform regulation across states, impacting cooperative banks, agricultural cooperatives, and other member-based organizations.

Why in news?

The 2025 amendment aligns cooperative banks’ director tenures with the 97th Amendment, increasing maximum tenure from 8 to 10 years.

Andhra Pradesh 2047 Vision

Andhra Pradesh revealed a long-term development plan targeting the year 2047, aiming to transform into a developed state. Key focuses include boosting agriculture alongside a robust high-tech manufacturing sector. The state plans to become a quantum computing hub, rivaling Hyderabad’s tech cluster in Telangana. Policies are aligned with the central government to attract investments. A move includes a Memorandum of About with Google to establish an artificial intelligence data center. The vision emphasizes reforms to create a conducive business environment, infrastructure development, and innovation-led growth.

Why in news?

Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister announced ambitious reforms and partnerships, including with Google, to position the state as a future technology and manufacturing leader.

Article 142 of the Constitution

Article 142 of the Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary to do “complete justice” in any cause or matter pending before it. This article grants the Court extraordinary powers beyond normal judicial remedies. It can override other laws and procedural requirements for equitable outcomes. Article 142 is often invoked in cases involving public interest or where no adequate legal remedy exists. Its use is discretionary and intended to uphold justice in exceptional situations. The article has been cited in landmark judgments to enforce rights and resolve complex legal disputes.

Why in news?

The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to take suo motu cognisance and direct registration of a petition concerning alleged collusive litigation by BDA officials in Bengaluru.

Article 164

Article 164 of the Constitution of India deals with the appointment and tenure of ministers in state governments. It mandates that the Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, and other ministers are appointed on the Chief Minister’s advice. The article allows the Council of Ministers to aid and advise the Governor. Unlike some constitutional provisions, Article 164 is not listed as an entrenched provision under Article 368, meaning changes to it require only a special majority in Parliament without needing state legislature ratification. This has implications for state autonomy and federal balance.

Why in news?

The proposed amendment seeks to insert a clause in Article 164 to automatically remove ministers held in custody for 30 days, enabling the Centre to potentially destabilize state governments without state consent.

Article 200 of Constitution of India

Article 200 grants the Governor of a State the power to give assent, withhold assent, return a Bill (except Money Bills) with recommendations, or reserve it for the President’s consideration. This article is part of the legislative process in Indian States. Governors can delay assent indefinitely, which has led to controversies. Unlike Article 356, which allows judicial review of President’s Rule imposition, the discretionary power under Article ...