Home The Constitution Part XXI Article 371

Art. 371 Part XXI: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions

Special Provision With Respect to the States of Maharashtra and Gujarat

Exact text — Constitution of India

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the President may by order made with respect to the State of Maharashtra or Gujarat, provide for any special responsibility of the Governor for—(a) the establishment of separate development boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada, and the rest of Maharashtra or, as the case may be, Saurashtra, Kutch and the rest of Gujarat with the provision that a report on the working of each of these boards will be placed each year before the State Legislative Assembly; (b) the equitable allocation of funds for developmental expenditure over the said areas, subject to the requirements of the State as a whole; and (c) an equitable arrangement providing adequate facilities for technical education and vocational training, and adequate opportunities for employment... in the said areas.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article addresses regional development disparities within Maharashtra and Gujarat — states formed by combining previously distinct regions (like Vidarbha and Marathwada within Maharashtra, or Saurashtra and Kutch within Gujarat) that had different economic starting points. It lets the President give the Governor special responsibility for equitable development funding and opportunity allocation across these historically distinct sub-regions.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why you may hear about specific 'development boards' for regions like Vidarbha or Marathwada — this Article provides their constitutional basis, aimed at ensuring these regions aren't left behind economically compared to other parts of their state.

Read alongside this one

Art. 371j — Special Provisions for Karnataka

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 371

Does this Article guarantee equal development across every part of these two states?

It creates the mechanism (development boards, funding allocation oversight) rather than a strict mathematical equality guarantee — the actual effectiveness has been a subject of ongoing regional political debate in both states.

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The text above reproduces Article 371 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.