General Studies: Polity, Constitution, History, Geography, Economy
What this domain tests
A four-part composite: Indian Constitution and polity, Indian and Chhattisgarh history, Indian and state geography, and basic economic concepts.
Polity and Constitution
- Preamble: 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' were added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976.
- Fundamental Rights (Part III, Articles 12–35) are enforceable through Articles 32 and 226; DPSP (Part IV, Articles 36–51) are not enforceable in court.
- Fundamental Duties: Article 51A, added by the 42nd Amendment on the Swaran Singh Committee's recommendation.
- 73rd Amendment (1992): Part IX, Articles 243–243O, Eleventh Schedule with 29 subjects; 74th Amendment covers municipalities with the Twelfth Schedule (18 subjects). Article 40 directs the state to organise village panchayats.
- Chhattisgarh has a unicameral Vidhan Sabha with 90 seats, 11 Lok Sabha and 5 Rajya Sabha seats.
History and geography
- 1857 in Chhattisgarh: Veer Narayan Singh of Sonakhan led the revolt and was hanged at Raipur; the Kalachuri (Haihaya) dynasty ruled from Ratanpur; Sirpur and Bhoramdeo are key heritage sites.
- Forest cover is among the highest of any major state, roughly two-fifths of geographical area; soils are mainly red and yellow, with laterite on uplands.
Economy
The state economy leans on agriculture (paddy), minerals, power and steel; MSP procurement of paddy is a major rural income channel.
Worked example
Question: is the Uniform Civil Code (Article 44) enforceable in court? Reasoning: Article 44 sits in Part IV, the DPSP; DPSPs are not justiciable, so no writ lies under Article 32. Answer: not enforceable.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing Article 32 (Supreme Court) with 226 (High Court); 42nd vs 44th Amendment; President's pardoning power (Art 72, includes court-martial and death sentence) with Governor's (Art 161). Money Bills need the Speaker's certification under Article 110.