All questions of Scheduled and Tribal Areas for UPSC CSE Exam

Members of the Autonomous District Councils in tribal areas are elected using adult franchise. These councils play a vital role in the administration of these areas and are responsible for making laws on specified matters.

The criteria for the declaration of a Scheduled Area include a prominent number of tribal population, compactness, reasonable size of the area, and economic backwardness in comparison to neighboring areas. These criteria ensure focused development efforts in these areas.

Understanding Scheduled Areas in the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution provides special provisions for the administration and governance of Scheduled Areas. These areas are defined in the context of the Fifth Schedule, which is designed to protect the rights and interests of tribal communities.
Article Empowering the President
- The correct answer is Article 244.
- Specifically, Article 244(1) empowers the President of India to declare an area as a Scheduled Area after consultation with the Governor of the state.
- This declaration is crucial for ensuring that tribal populations have their unique cultural and social needs addressed through special governance measures.
Significance of Scheduled Areas
- Scheduled Areas are regions with significant tribal populations and distinct cultural identities.
- The declaration of an area as a Scheduled Area provides the following benefits:
- Protection of tribal rights over land and resources.
- Special provisions for the governance and administration tailored to tribal needs.
- Empowerment of local self-governance through the Panchayati Raj system.
Role of the President and the Governor
- The President acts upon the advice of the Council of Ministers but must consult the Governor before making a declaration.
- This ensures that local governance aligns with the needs and aspirations of the tribal communities.
Conclusion
The provision under Article 244 is vital for safeguarding tribal interests and fostering their development within the framework of the Indian Constitution. By empowering the President to declare Scheduled Areas, the Constitution aims to promote equality and justice for marginalized communities in India.

District Councils in autonomous tribal areas have the following key role:

• Making laws on specified matters: District Councils have the power to make laws on specified matters with the assent of the governor. These matters usually include local governance, land management, and social customs unique to the tribal areas. This allows the District Councils to address the specific needs and concerns of the tribal communities they represent.

By having the authority to make laws on specified matters with the assent of the governor, District Councils in autonomous tribal areas can ensure that the laws and policies put in place are tailored to the unique cultural, social, and economic context of the tribal communities. This helps in promoting the self-governance and autonomy of the tribal areas while also ensuring that their interests are protected and upheld.

Scheduled Areas are treated differently because they are inhabited by socially and economically backward 'aboriginals' who require affirmative actions to improve their conditions. These areas are given special provisions for administration to uplift the living standards of the Scheduled Tribes.

Article 339 of the Indian Constitution

Article 339 of the Indian Constitution specifically mentions the Union government's control over the administration and welfare of Scheduled Areas. This article empowers the President to direct that the provisions of the Fifth Schedule (which deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas) and the Sixth Schedule (which deals with the administration of tribal areas in the northeastern states) shall apply to any tribal area in a state subject to such exceptions and modifications as he may specify.

Key Points:

- Article 339 gives the Union government the authority to intervene in the administration and welfare of Scheduled Areas to ensure the protection and development of tribal communities living in these regions.

- It allows for the extension of the provisions of the Fifth and Sixth Schedules to tribal areas in states, with necessary modifications as deemed fit by the President.

- This provision is crucial in safeguarding the interests and rights of tribal communities residing in Scheduled Areas, ensuring their socio-economic development and protection of their culture and traditions.

- By granting the Union government control over these areas, Article 339 aims to promote the overall welfare and progress of tribal populations who are often marginalized and vulnerable to exploitation.

The provisions for administration of tribal areas in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram are mentioned in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This schedule provides autonomy to these areas to preserve their unique culture and civilization.

The main purpose of providing autonomy to tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule is to preserve their unique culture, customs, and civilization. This autonomy allows them to govern themselves while maintaining their distinct identity.

The governor of the respective state has the power to organize and reorganize the autonomous districts in tribal areas. This flexibility ensures that the administrative structure aligns with the needs and diversity of these areas.

The Tribal Advisory Council in states having Scheduled Areas is established to advise on the welfare and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes in those areas. It consists of members, a significant portion of whom are representatives of the Scheduled Tribes in the state legislative assembly.