NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 2: Federalism

mcqeasy

In India’s federal distribution of powers, “Prisons” fall within the competence of which list?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AConcurrent List
BState List
CUnion List
DResiduary List

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is State List.

Explanation

The legislative powers in India are distributed between the Union and the States under Article 246, read with the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. This schedule classifies subjects into the Union List (List I), State List (List II), and Concurrent List (List III).

Detailed Analysis:

Constitutional Provision: "Prisons, reformatories, Borstal institutions and other institutions of a like nature, and persons detained therein" are explicitly listed under Entry 4 of List II (State List).
Legislative Competence: Since the subject falls under the State List, the State Legislatures have the exclusive power to make laws regarding the management and administration of prisons.
Role of the Centre: While the primary responsibility lies with the State Governments, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Union Government) provides advice, guidance, and financial assistance for prison modernization and the implementation of best practices.

Key Takeaway: "Prisons" is a subject under the State List (List II, Entry 4) of the Seventh Schedule, giving States exclusive legislative and administrative authority over them.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Federalism

Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of state boundaries in India: 1. At the time of independence, the provinces were organized primarily based on linguistic distinctiveness to ensure cultural homogeneity. 2. The integration of princely states involved their merger into existing provinces or the creation of new administrative units. 3. The renaming of states, such as Mysore to Karnataka, reflects the constitutional flexibility regarding the identity of constituent units. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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hard

With reference to the essential characteristics of a federal system, consider the following statements: 1. It mandates a system of dual citizenship to foster regional and national loyalties simultaneously. 2. It requires a written constitution that serves as the supreme source of power for both the central and regional governments. 3. It necessitates an independent judiciary to adjudicate disputes regarding the division of powers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which statement best describes the Indian Constitution's approach to federalism?

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Article 1 of the Constitution describes India as:

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The correct option is State List.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Constitutional Provision: "Prisons, reformatories, Borstal institutions and other institutions of a like nature, and persons detained therein" are explicitly listed under Entry 4 of List II (State List).
Legislative Competence: Since the subject falls under the State List, the State Legislatures have the exclusive power to make laws regarding the management and administration of prisons.
Role of the Centre: While the primary responsibility lies with the State Governments, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Union Government) provides advice, guidance, and financial assistance for prison modernization and the implementation of best practices.

Key Takeaway: "Prisons" is a subject under the State List (List II, Entry 4) of the Seventh Schedule, giving States exclusive legislative and administrative authority over them.