Special Status of North-East States

Context: 

• Recently, the Central Government made it clear before the Supreme Court that it has no intention to interfere with the special provisions in the Constitution applicable to the northeastern states of the country.

Special Provisions for the North-Eastern states in India:

• Sixth Schedule: Under Article 244 (2) of the Indian ConstitutionIt, it makes special arrangements for the administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. 
• Special status: Under part XXI of the Indian Constitution,  Article 371A, B, C, F, G, H grants special status to the few northeastern states of India. 

Need of special status for North-Eastern states:

• To bring peace and harmony and to deal with the disturbed law and order in some parts of these states. 
• Protect and preserve the cultures, traditions, languages, and ethnic diversity of the tribes of these states.
• Bring them to an equal footing with the rest of the states in India.
• Provide them with similar opportunities in terms of educational and employment facilities.
• Maintaining law and order in these states

Difference between Article 370 and 371:

• Article 370 granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir whereas, Article 371 granted special status to other states of India.
• Article 370 was a temporary provision whereas, Article 371 is a special provision that is permanent.
• Article 370 was specifically applicable to Jammu and Kashmir, but Article 371 covers 12 states of India.

News Source: The Hindu