Which of the following statements regarding Indian federal system is/a

Which of the following statements regarding Indian federal system is/are correct?

  • All States have equal representation in the Rajya Sabha.
  • Consent of a State is not required for altering its boundaries.
  • There is no dual citizenship in India.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 3
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
2 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2017
Statement 1 is incorrect because representation of States in the Rajya Sabha is based on population, not equal for all States (Fourth Schedule of the Constitution). Statement 2 is correct as the Parliament can alter the boundaries or names of existing States without their consent (Article 3 of the Constitution). Statement 3 is correct as the Constitution of India provides for single citizenship for the entire country, not dual citizenship. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
The Indian federal system exhibits features of both federal and unitary systems. Unequal representation in Rajya Sabha and Parliament’s power to alter state boundaries are considered unitary features.
Article 3 allows Parliament to form new States, increase or decrease the area of any State, and alter the boundaries or name of any State by law. The procedure requires a Bill to be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President, and the President is required to refer the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for expressing its views within a specified period. However, Parliament is not bound by the views of the State Legislature.