What powers were reinstated to the States by the 105th Constitutional Amendment Act?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Power to identify Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs), including Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

Explanation:

• The 105th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2021 reinstated the power of State governments to identify and notify Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs), including Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• This amendment was passed in response to a Supreme Court ruling that interpreted the 102nd Amendment as taking away states’ powers to determine their OBC lists.
• The 105th Amendment clarified that both the Centre and States have the power to prepare and maintain their respective lists of SEBCs.
• It amended Articles 338B, 342A, and 366 to ensure that states retain their long-standing authority in this matter.

Information Booster:

• The amendment came after concerns that nearly 671 OBC communities might lose reservation benefits if states could no longer recognize them independently.
• It reflects the need to preserve federal structure and state autonomy in implementing welfare and reservation policies.
• The amendment received unanimous support in Parliament and was notified in August 2021.

Additional Information:

• Option (a) Power to form new states: This authority lies with the Parliament under Article 3 of the Constitution.
• Option (b) Power to levy GST: This was granted through the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
• Option (d) Power to decide election dates: This function is handled by the Election Commission of India, not the states.
• The 105th Amendment is a crucial step in protecting the rights of backward classes and reinforcing state-level representation and governance.