Article 273 of Indian Constitution: Grants in lieu of export duty on jute and jute products

Article 273 of Indian Constitution provides grants-in-aid to Assam, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal as compensation for revenue loss due to the jute export duty. These grants, drawn from the Consolidated Fund of India, replace their share of the duty’s net proceeds. They are given either until jute export duties cease or ten years after the Constitution’s commencement, ensuring support for the affected jute-growing states during this period. Explore other important Constitutional Articles.

Article 273 of Indian Constitution

Grants in lieu of export duty on jute and jute products

1. There shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India in each year as grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States of Assam, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, in lieu of assignment of any share of the net proceeds in each year of export duty on jute and jute products to those States, such sums as may be prescribed.
2.  The sums so prescribed shall continue to be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India so long as any export duty on jute or jute products continues to be levied by the Government of India or until the expiration of ten years from the commencement of this Constitution, whichever is earlier.
3. In this article, the expression "prescribed" has the same meaning as in article 270.

Note: "The information is referred from the official website of the Indian Code and is for reference only. Original laws and orders remain untouched.

Download Free PDF on Article 273 of Indian Constitution

Article 273 of the Indian Constitution allows financial assistance to the states of Assam, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal as compensation for their lost share of the net revenue from export duties on jute and its products. Here's a simplified interpretation of Article 273 of  Indian Constitution:

• Grants-in-Aid: Provides annual grants to Assam, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal from the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Export Duty Replacement: These grants replace the States' share of export duties on jute and jute products.
• Duration: Grants continue as long as export duties on jute are levied or for ten years from the Constitution's commencement, whichever is earlier.
• Economic Support: Article 273 of Indian Constitution makes sure the historical dependence of these states on jute-related revenue, ensures financial stability.
• Legislative Oversight: Legislative determines the final determination that provides as grants-in-aid, ensuring flexibility and accountability.
• Regional Balance: This Article promotes equal financial distribution to address regional economic disparities.
• Federal Cooperation: Article 273 of Indian Constitution reflects the commitment to help the collaboration between the Union and States.

The interpretation of Article 273 of Constitution highlights the role of supporting regional development and maintenance within India's federal structure.

Article 273 of Indian Constitution Significance

Article 273 of Indian Constitution under Part XII shows financial aid that provided to certain states in lieu of export duties on jute and jute products. Here's a breakdown of its significance:

1. Purpose: It ensures financial support to states like Assam, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, which were historically reliant on revenue from jute exports.
2. Grants-in-Aid: These grants under Article 273 of Indian Constitution are charged annually to the Consolidated Fund of India to compensate for the loss of direct revenue from export duties.
3. Duration: The provision under Article 273 of Constitution was designed to last for a maximum of ten years from the commencement of the Constitution or until export duties on jute products ceased.
4. Economic Impact: It helped these states transition economically by providing fiscal stability during the early years of independence.

Article 273 of Indian Constitution reflects India's commitment to cooperative federalism and addressing regional disparities. 

There are no Landmark Judgments cases directly linked to Article 273 of Indian Constitution. This Article focuses on providing financial support (grants-in-aid) to Assam, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal to replace their share of revenue from export duties on jute. It's mainly about compensating these States and helping their economies, so legal disputes have been rare. Article 273 of Indian Constitution is more of an administrative provision than something that regularly comes up in a court. The aim of Article 273 is to make sure these states receive fair and true financial support for balanced development. 

Conclusion

Article 273 of Indian Constitution addresses the commitment for equal financial support for states reliant on their history and jute exports. This Article provides allowances to aid Assam, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal from India's consolidated fund. It ensures financial stability and pay for the loss of revenue from export duties on jute and its product. It reflects the makers foresight to address regional financial disparities and promotes balanced development.This Article provides grants for a defined duration, emphasising the value of federal collaboration and fiscal responsibility. Article 273 of Constitution showcases the Constitution's commitment to promoting unity between the Union and States, ensuring financial administration aligns with both national priorities and the economic needs of individual regions.