SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 13

Correct Answer

Police and public order

Explanation

Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, the subject of "Police and public order" falls under the State List (List II). This means that state governments hold the exclusive power to enact laws, manage operations, and govern administration regarding the police force and the maintenance of public peace within their respective territorial boundaries. The Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers between the Union and the States through three distinct lists: the Union List (List I), the State List (List II), and the Concurrent List (List III).

Key Points

Defense and Armed Forces, Foreign affairs and international treaties, and Currency, coinage, and legal tender are all vital subjects of national importance and fall exclusively under the Union List (List I). Only the Parliament of India has the power to legislate on them.

While police administration belongs to the State List, the central government maintains control over central paramilitary forces (like the CRPF, BSF, and CISF) to assist states when necessary.

The Concurrent List (List III) contains subjects of common interest to both the Union and the States, such as Education, Forests, and Marriage, where both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which article of the Constitution of India deals with the three legislative lists under the Seventh Schedule?

Answer: Article 246 of the Indian Constitution deals with the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States.

Question: Under which list of the Seventh Schedule does the subject of "Education" currently fall?

Answer: Education falls under the Concurrent List (List III). It was moved from the State List to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976.