Which of the following statements best describes the primary objective and constitutional impact of the 45th Amendment Act, 1980?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is (C) — It extended the period of reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, as well as the special representation of Anglo-Indians, for a further ten years.
Explanation:
☛ The 45th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1980 amended Article 334 of the Constitution.
☛ It extended the existing reservation period for SC/ST seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies and the special representation of Anglo-Indians from 30 years to 40 years from the commencement of the Constitution.
☛ Thus, this extension was valid until 1990, giving a further ten years beyond the then-current period.
☛ The amendment did not abolish the President’s ordinance power, did not change the duration of legislatures, and did not make education a fundamental right.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ 8th Amendment (1959): Extended the reservation period from 10 to 20 years.
☛ 23rd Amendment (1969): Extended it from 20 to 30 years.
☛ 62nd Amendment (1989): Extended it from 40 to 50 years.
☛ 104th Amendment (2019): Extended SC/ST reservation to 80 years (until 2030) and ended the Anglo-Indian nominated seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
☛ 42nd Amendment (1976): Had increased the term of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to six years; the 44th Amendment (1978) restored it to five years.
☛ 86th Amendment (2002): Inserted Article 21A, making education a fundamental right for children aged 6–14.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which Article provides for reservation of SC/ST seats and Anglo-Indian special representation? → Article 334.
☛ The 45th Amendment (1980) extended the reservation period from how many years to how many years? → 30 to 40 years.
☛ Which Amendment extended the reservation period to 50 years? → 62nd Amendment, 1989.
☛ Which Amendment ended the Anglo-Indian nominated seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies? → 104th Amendment, 2019.
☛ Which Amendment inserted Article 21A on the Right to Education? → 86th Amendment, 2002.