If a new state of the Indian Union is to be created, which one of the following schedules of the Constitution must be amended?

Correct Option (a):

The First Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the names of the States and Union Territories of India. Therefore, if a new state is created, its name must be added to this Schedule through a constitutional amendment. The process of creating new states or altering existing ones is governed by Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution. Additionally, the Fourth Schedule, which allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha, would also require amendment to reflect the change in state representation.

Incorrect Options:

The Second Schedule specifies provisions relating to the emoluments, allowances, and privileges of various constitutional functionaries, such as the President, Governors, and Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. It is not related to the creation of new states.

The Third Schedule contains the forms of oaths and affirmations for various constitutional office-bearers and members of the Union and State Legislatures. It has no bearing on the formation of new states.

The Fifth Schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Its provisions are unrelated to the process of creating a new state.