All questions of Scheduled and Tribal Areas for UPSC CSE Exam

Isnt it 26+4

26 Elected and 4 nominated by the Governer of the respective state

The role of District Councils in autonomous tribal areas is to make laws on specified matters such as land, forests, water, village administration, and more. However, these laws require the assent of the governor, ensuring local considerations while legislating.

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.

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.

Criteria for Declaration of a Scheduled Area:
- Tribal Population: One of the key criteria for declaring an area as a Scheduled Area is the presence of a significant tribal population. These areas are typically inhabited by tribal communities who have distinct cultural, social, and economic characteristics.
- Compactness: Scheduled Areas are usually geographically compact regions where tribal communities reside in close proximity to each other. This compactness allows for better administration and governance tailored to the specific needs of the tribal population.
- Reasonable Size: Scheduled Areas are designated based on their size, which should be reasonable enough to allow for effective governance and development initiatives targeted towards the tribal communities living in the area.
- Economic Backwardness: Another important criterion for declaring an area as a Scheduled Area is its economic backwardness. These areas often lag behind in terms of economic development, infrastructure, and access to basic services, which necessitates special provisions and support from the government.
By considering these criteria, such as the presence of a significant tribal population, compactness, reasonable size, and economic backwardness of the area, the government can identify regions that require special attention and support to uplift the tribal communities residing there.

Article 339 of the Indian Constitution mentions the Union government's control over the administration and welfare of Scheduled Areas. This indicates the importance of central involvement in improving the conditions of the Scheduled Tribes.

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.

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 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 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.