The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order t

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UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2015 UPSC Prelims Indian Polity & Governance paper.

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Question

The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: A — protect the interests of Scheduled TribesStep-by-step Solution:Both the Fifth Schedule and the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution are specifically designed to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes — recognising that tribal communities need special protection from exploitation and cultural erosion.Fifth Schedule (Article 244(1)): Provides for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas (areas predominantly inhabited by tribal communities that need special protection) and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Key provisions: Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) in each state with Scheduled Areas; Governor has special powers to apply/adapt central/state laws to Scheduled Areas; Parliament can make laws specifically for Scheduled Areas. Currently 10 states have Fifth Schedule areas: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana.Sixth Schedule (Article 244(2)): Provides for the administration of tribal areas in the northeastern states — Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura — through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils. These councils have legislative, executive, and judicial powers over tribal communities in their jurisdictions — creating a form of local self-governance for tribal groups.Why other options are incorrect:Option B (Boundaries between States): State boundaries are dealt with under Articles 3 and 4 (and the First Schedule which lists states and their territories). Fifth and Sixth Schedules have nothing to do with state boundaries.Option C (Powers of Panchayats): Panchayati Raj institutions are governed by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) and the Eleventh Schedule (which lists 29 subjects for Panchayats). The Fifth and Sixth Schedules are tribal administration provisions, not general Panchayati Raj provisions. Note: PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996) extended Panchayati Raj to Fifth Schedule areas with tribal modifications.Option D (Border States' interests): No specific constitutional schedule protects border states' interests as such. Border and security matters are handled under Articles 355, 356, and Union List provisions.Key Concept: Fifth Schedule vs Sixth Schedule: Fifth — Scheduled Areas in 10 mainland states; TAC; Governor's special powers; relatively weaker tribal autonomy. Sixth — Tribal areas in 4 NE states; Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with legislative, executive, judicial powers; much stronger tribal self-governance. Examples of ADCs under Sixth Schedule: Bodoland Territorial Council (Assam), Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (Meghalaya), Mizo District Councils (Mizoram), Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. PESA (1996): extended Panchayati Raj to 5th Schedule areas with tribal customary law protection.

The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to

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The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Union & Its Territories – Schedules & Reorganisation

Frequently Asked Questions