The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
Article 371F of the Indian Constitution grants special status to the state of Nagaland. This special status includes a number of provisions that are designed to protect the interests of the Naga people and their culture. However, the implementation of these provisions has faced a number of challenges, including:
- Balancing state interests with national integration: The special status granted to Nagaland can sometimes conflict with the interests of the Indian government. For example, the Indian government has been reluctant to allow Nagaland to have its own army, as this could potentially lead to secession.
- Protecting minority rights while ensuring equality: The special status granted to Nagaland can also conflict with the rights of other minorities in India. For example, the Naga people have been accused of discriminating against other ethnic groups in the state.
- Preserving traditions while promoting development: The special status granted to Nagaland can also make it difficult to promote development in the state. For example, the Indian government has been reluctant to invest in infrastructure in Nagaland, as this could potentially lead to the loss of traditional Naga culture.
Despite these challenges, the implementation of Article 371F has been largely successful in protecting the interests of the Naga people and their culture. However, it is important to continue to address the challenges that have been identified in order to ensure that the special status granted to Nagaland is truly beneficial to all of its citizens.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option (a): Balancing state interests with national integration: The special status granted to Nagaland can sometimes conflict with the interests of the Indian government. For example, the Indian government has been reluctant to allow Nagaland to have its own army, as this could potentially lead to secession.
- Option (b): Protecting minority rights while ensuring equality: The special status granted to Nagaland can also conflict with the rights of other minorities in India. For example, the Naga people have been accused of discriminating against other ethnic groups in the state.
- Option (c): Preserving traditions while promoting development: The special status granted to Nagaland can also make it difficult to promote development in the state. For example, the Indian government has been reluctant to invest in infrastructure in Nagaland, as this could potentially lead to the loss of traditional Naga culture.