36th Constitutional Amendment Act 1975
Also called: 36th Amendment · Topic: Regional Aspirations: J&K, Punjab, the North-East and Accommodation · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The 36th Amendment (1975) made Sikkim a full state of India, the 22nd state, from 16 May 1975. It also added Article 371F, which contains special provisions for Sikkim. It ended the "associate state" status that the 35th Amendment (1974) had given Sikkim. It matters because it completed Sikkim's merger with India by constitutional means.
Example
In April 1975, Sikkim's elected assembly passed a resolution asking for full integration with India. A quick referendum (a direct vote of the people) approved it. Parliament then passed the 36th Amendment. The Chogyal (the king) cried foul play, but the merger was popular.
Don't confuse with
- 35th Amendment (1974): it made Sikkim an associate state, a halfway status without full statehood. The 36th Amendment made Sikkim a full state.