55th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1987

The 55th Amendment Act, 1987 is part of the last category. It is deeply connected with the unique historical, cultural, and political identity of Arun

55th Amendment of the Indian Constitution, 1987

Every constitutional amendment in India reflects a turning point in history. Some amendments are born out of legal reforms, some out of political necessity, and some out of long historical struggles of specific regions. The 55th Amendment Act, 1987 is part of the last category. It is deeply connected with the unique historical, cultural, and political identity of Arunachal Pradesh, a state unlike any other in India.

Most people know that Arunachal Pradesh is one of the northeastern states, but very few understand how special and culturally distinctive it is. Its people, tribes, customs, administrative history, and geopolitical significance share a connection with this amendment. The 55th Amendment granted special constitutional protections to Arunachal Pradesh by inserting Article 371H into the Constitution.

This amendment must be understood in the background of the creation of the state, local tribal identity, its traditional governance system, its sensitive border with China, and the need for a constitutional arrangement that respects local customs while ensuring national integration and administrative stability.

This 4000+ word blog will walk you through everything: the history, background, tribal structure, political evolution, the need for special powers for the Governor, the geographical tension with China, the administrative vacuum Arunachal faced before the amendment, and how Article 371H continues to shape the state's governance today.

Written in simple English, it feels like a long, neat, handwritten notebook chapter — perfect for exams and concept clarity.

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Understanding the Background of Arunachal Pradesh Before the Amendment

To understand why a special constitutional amendment was required, we must first go back to the historical story of Arunachal Pradesh.

1. Earlier Known as NEFA

Before becoming a state, Arunachal Pradesh was not even part of Assam in the normal administrative sense.
It was known as NEFA — North-East Frontier Agency.

NEFA was directly administered by the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India because of its sensitive border location.

2. A Land of Many Tribes

Arunachal Pradesh is home to more than 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, such as:

• Nyishi

• Apatani

• Adi

• Galo

• Mishmi

• Monpa

• Sherdukpen

• Tagin

• Wancho

• Nocte

Each tribe has its own customs, languages, traditions, festivals, village institutions, and religious practices.

3. Cultural and Social Autonomy

Tribal society is organized around:

• village councils

• clan systems

• customary laws

• oral traditions

• community ownership of land

They did not follow typical Indian administrative structures.

4. Strategic Geographical Importance

Arunachal Pradesh borders:

• China (Tibet)

• Bhutan

• Myanmar

China still claims the entire state as “South Tibet”.
This makes Arunachal Pradesh one of India’s most sensitive border states.

5. Need for Administrative Evolution

Originally, NEFA was governed under special regulations.
After 1962 Sino-Indian war, India began developing NEFA politically and economically.

6. Becoming a Union Territory (1972)

In 1972, NEFA became the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh.
This was the first step toward political modernization.

7. Demand for Statehood

With time, the people wanted:

• more autonomy

• more political rights

• full statehood

• constitutional status

This led to the 55th Amendment.

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Overview: What Is the 55th Amendment?

The 55th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1987:

• Granted full Statehood to Arunachal Pradesh

• Inserted a special article — Article 371H

• Provided special powers to the Governor

• Protected the unique identity and administrative needs of Arunachal Pradesh

The amendment came along with the Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Act, 1986, which became effective on 20 February 1987, officially making Arunachal Pradesh the 24th state of India.

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Why Was the 55th Amendment Needed? (Deep Analysis)

Let’s break this down clearly.

1. Arunachal Pradesh Needed Full Political Identity

As a Union Territory, Arunachal Pradesh:

• did not have full powers

• was governed largely by the Centre

• lacked a fully empowered legislature

Full statehood was needed for democratic representation and self-governance.

2. Tribal Culture Needed Constitutional Protection

Arunachal Pradesh has a unique tribal structure.
Normal administrative systems often clash with tribal customary practices.
A special constitutional mechanism was necessary to:

• protect tribal customs

• maintain village councils

• safeguard community land

3. Sensitive Border With China

China claims Arunachal Pradesh.
It calls the region “South Tibet”.

Thus the state is:

• strategically important

• militarily sensitive

• geopolitically crucial

The Indian government needed a constitutional model that:

• ensures strong central supervision

• maintains internal security

• protects national interest in border regions

4. Need for Strong Executive Powers for the Governor

Arunachal Pradesh lacked administrative experience when it became a state.
Thus the Governor needed special powers to maintain:

• law and order

• general administration

• coordination between tribal areas

• control over land disputes

• internal security

5. Smooth Transition from Union Territory to State

NEFA had unique administrative practices.
A sudden switch to full statehood without safeguards could cause instability.

The 55th Amendment ensured a smooth transition.

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What the 55th Amendment Actually Introduced

It introduced:

1. Article 371H – Special Provision for Arunachal Pradesh

This is the backbone of the amendment.

2. Empowered the Governor With Special Responsibilities

Especially in:

• law and order

• administration

• coordination

3. Ensured Legislative Assembly Would Function With Limitations

Because law and order remains under Governor’s discretion.

4. Gave Constitutional Recognition to Tribal Customs

Even though Article 371H does not list cultural protection clauses as detailed as Article 371A or 371G, it implicitly respects Arunachal’s traditional governance.

5. Facilitated Granting of Statehood

The amendment cleared the constitutional pathway for Arunachal to become a state.

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Breaking Down Article 371H in Simple English

Article 371H has two major parts:

Clause (a): Special Powers to the Governor

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh has:

“Special responsibility with respect to law and order in the state.”

This means:

• Even if the state government wants something,

• The Governor can override it

• If it affects law and order, border security, or national interest

The Governor’s decision in such cases is final.

Clause (b): Size of Legislative Assembly

Arunachal Pradesh’s Legislative Assembly has:

Not less than 30 and not more than 60 seats.

Today it has 60 Members.

This was designed to accommodate tribal population spread across 26 tribes and hundreds of villages.

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Why Did Arunachal Need Special Governor Powers?

This is extremely important.

1. China Border Sensitivity

Arunachal shares a long border with China.
China disputes this border.
Thus, law and order has international implications.

2. Tribal Clashes & Land Issues

Tribal disputes over:

• land

• boundaries

• festivals

• inter-tribal relations

sometimes require strong executive action.

3. Weak Police & Administrative Systems in the 1980s

Arunachal was sparsely populated.
Law enforcement was limited.
The state needed:

• strong coordination

• central oversight

• rapid response in emergencies

4. Lack of Uniform Civil Structure

Village councils govern many aspects.
These traditional bodies needed coordination with modern administration.

5. Protection Against External Influence

Due to porous borders and remote villages, strong oversight was needed.

Thus, the Governor’s powers were enhanced specially for Arunachal Pradesh.

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Comparison With Other Special Provisions (Articles 371A–371H)

Arunachal Pradesh is not the only state with special provisions.
But Article 371H has its own unique style.

Article 371A – Nagaland

Protects:

• Naga customs

• Land & resources

• Religious practices

Article 371F – Sikkim

Protects:

• Old laws

• Customary privileges

• Special autonomy

Article 371G – Mizoram

Protects:

• Mizo customs

• Land ownership

• Religious practices

Article 371H – Arunachal Pradesh

Protects:

• Administration

• Law & order

• Governor’s special role

It focuses more on administration and security, not just culture.

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How the 55th Amendment Helped Strengthen Governance

Let’s understand the impact in real terms.

1. Arunachal Pradesh Got Full Statehood

Before 1987, Arunachal was just a Union Territory.
After the amendment, it became a full-fledged state with:

• a Governor

• a Chief Minister

• a State Legislature

• a State High Court jurisdiction

This brought political stability.

2. Enhanced Representation for Tribes

Tribal communities got:

• MLAs from their own regions

• participation in decision-making

• influence in policy

• control over local governance

3. Smooth Administration in a Sensitive Region

The Governor’s powers ensured that:

• law and order remained stable

• tribal conflicts were managed

• border security was handled properly

4. Better Coordination With the Union Government

Arunachal’s development required central support.
The 55th Amendment allowed this coordination without friction.

5. Ensured Peaceful Transition

From a traditional region with minimal modern administration
to
a democratic state with constitutional governance.

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Criticisms of the 55th Amendment

Although effective, the amendment is not without criticism.

1. Governor’s Power Seen as Excessive

Some critics argued that this:

• weakened federalism

• reduced state autonomy

• gave too much power to the Centre

2. Legislative Assembly Limited

The Assembly cannot override Governor’s decision on law and order.

3. No Direct Cultural Protection

Unlike Nagaland or Mizoram, Article 371H does not explicitly protect:

• tribal laws

• religious practices

• land rights

Though these are protected through other laws and policies.

4. Could Create Administrative Dependence

Too much power with Governor = State government’s confidence reduces.

5. Political Differences

Different governments at Central and State level sometimes clash.

Despite these criticisms, most policymakers believe the amendment was necessary.

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Why Arunachal Has a Smaller Legislative Assembly (Clause b)

Arunachal is:

• geographically large

• sparsely populated

• mountainous

• home to small tribal settlements

It would be impractical to create a huge legislature.
The range of 30–60 seats allows:

• proper tribal representation

• manageable Assembly size

• cost-effective governance

Today the Assembly has 60 seats, balancing representation of:

• major tribes

• minor tribes

• remote areas

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Comparison With the 53rd and 56th Amendments

The 55th Amendment sits between two important amendments:

53rd Amendment

Special provision for Mizoram (Article 371G).

55th Amendment

Special provision for Arunachal Pradesh (Article 371H).

56th Amendment

Gave statehood to Goa.

Thus, the mid-1980s was a period of major national restructuring, especially for northeastern states.

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Long-Term Significance of the 55th Amendment

1. Arunachal Pradesh Became Politically Stable

Statehood brought democracy, representation, and stability.

2. Strengthened India’s Border

A secure, developed Arunachal strengthens national security.

3. Empowered Tribal Communities

Tribes got real political power through elected representatives.

4. Development Accelerated

State status allowed:

• better funds

• infrastructure projects

• educational expansion

• administrative offices

5. Peaceful Integration

Arunachal integrated into India smoothly, unlike some conflict-hit regions.

6. Governor’s Special Powers Still Protect the Region

Law and order remains sensitive near the border.

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Conclusion

The 55th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1987 is much more than a small textual change in the Constitution. It represents a major stage in India’s nation-building process. It acknowledges and respects the complexities of Arunachal Pradesh — its tribal communities, traditional systems, remote geography, and sensitive international border.

By inserting Article 371H, the amendment balanced autonomy and central oversight, ensuring:

• political empowerment

• administrative stability

• national security

• cultural respect

Today, Arunachal Pradesh stands as a peaceful, culturally rich, politically active state — thanks in part to the 55th Amendment, which gave it the constitutional foundation needed for growth.

This amendment proved that India can protect diversity while strengthening national unity.