Which Constitutional Amendment Act extended the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer:(d) 79th Amendment

Explanation:
The 79th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1999, extended the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for another ten years. Originally, this reservation was provided for a period of ten years under Article 334 of the Indian Constitution, but it has been extended multiple times through amendments. The 79th Amendment extended this provision until 2010.

Knowledge Booster:
● Article 334 initially provided for the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in legislatures for only ten years (until 1960).
● Since then, this reservation has been extended periodically through constitutional amendments.
● The 79th Amendment (1999) extended this reservation until 2010.
● Later, subsequent amendments extended it further, with the latest being the 104th Amendment (2019), which extended the reservation until 2030.
● These provisions aim to ensure political representation for marginalized communities.

Additional Knowledge:
● (a) 42nd Amendment (1976) – Known as the "Mini Constitution," this amendment introduced major changes, including adding Fundamental Duties and strengthening the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
● (b) 44th Amendment (1978) – This amendment reversed many provisions of the 42nd Amendment and restored fundamental rights, including protecting the right to property.
● (c) 73rd Amendment (1992) – This amendment introduced Panchayati Raj institutions and provided constitutional status to local self-governance.