Articles 371 to 371-J in Part XXI of the constitution contain special provisions for eleven states viz., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka. The intention behind them is to meet the aspirations of the people of backward regions of the states or to protect the cultural and economic interests of the tribal people of the states or to deal with the disturbed law and order condition in some parts of the states or to protect the interests of the local people of the states.
Under Article 371, the President is authorised to provide that the Governor of Maharashtra and that of Gujarat would have special responsibility for:
- the establishment of separate development boards for (i) Vidarbha, Marathwada and the rest of Maharashtra, (ii) Saurashtra, Kutch and the rest of Gujarat;
- Making a provision that a report on the working of these boards would be placed every year before the State Legislative Assembly;
- The equitable allocation of funds for developmental expenditure over the above-mentioned areas; and
- An equitable arrangement providing adequate facilities for technical education and vocational training, and adequate employment opportunities in the state services in respect of the abovementioned areas.