Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

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📍 The Question

Which one of the following statements is correct as per the Constitution of India?

(a) Inter-State trade and commerce is a State subject under the State List.
(b) Inter-State migration is a State subject under the State List.
(c) Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject under the Union List.
(d) Corporation tax is a State subject under the State List.

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✅ Correct Answer: (c) Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject under the Union List

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🎯 Theme of the Question

Indian Polity | Seventh Schedule | Division of Powers | Union List vs State List

This question directly tests precision knowledge of entries in the Seventh Schedule, a high-frequency UPSC prelims area.

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

The Seventh Schedule to the Constitution (under Article 246) distributes legislative subjects between:

• Union List
• State List
• Concurrent List

Let us examine each option carefully.

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❌ Option (a): Inter-State trade and commerce — State List

• Incorrect
• Inter-State trade and commerce falls under the Union List, not the State List.
• This ensures uniform regulation across India.

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❌ Option (b): Inter-State migration — State List

• Incorrect
• Inter-State migration is not a State subject.
• It is a Union subject because movement across States affects national integration and labour mobility.

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✅ Option (c): Inter-State quarantine — Union List

• Correct
• Entry 81 of the Union List explicitly mentions: “Inter-State migration and inter-State quarantine.”
• Public health measures affecting movement between States are therefore under Union control.

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❌ Option (d): Corporation tax — State List

• Incorrect
• Corporation tax is listed under Entry 85 of the Union List.
• It is levied and collected exclusively by the Union Government.

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📊 Quick Constitutional Mapping

Subject	Correct List
Inter-State trade & commerce	Union List
Inter-State migration	Union List
Inter-State quarantine	Union List ✅
Corporation tax	Union List

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🧩 Prelims Trap Alert 🚨

UPSC often tests inter-State subjects by misleadingly placing them in the State List.

📌 Golden Rule

Anything involving “inter-State” movement, trade, health, or taxation → usually Union List.

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🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

Federal balance in India rests not on equality of powers, but on clarity of boundaries.