Scheduled and Tribal Areas are special administrative regions in India created to protect the rights and culture of indigenous and tribal communities.
👉 Part X (Articles 244 & 244A) of the Indian Constitution deals with these areas.
👉 Scheduled Areas (Under Article 244(1)) are governed by Fifth Schedule.
👉 Tribal Areas (Under Article 244(2)) are governed by Sixth Schedule.
What Are Scheduled & Tribal Areas?
1. Scheduled Areas (Governed by Fifth Schedule)
✅ Applies to tribal-dominated regions in mainland India.
✅ Special provisions for administration & governance.
✅ Governor has the power to regulate laws for these areas.
✅ Example: Parts of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh.
2. Tribal Areas (Governed by Sixth Schedule)
✅ Applies to Northeastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram).
✅ Has Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with legislative powers.
✅ Tribal areas have greater autonomy than Scheduled Areas.
Constitutional Provisions for Scheduled & Tribal Areas
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 244(1) | Scheduled Areas governed by Fifth Schedule |
| Article 244(2) | Tribal Areas governed by Sixth Schedule |
| Article 244A | Special provisions for creating an Autonomous State |
| Fifth Schedule | Administration of Scheduled Areas by the Governor |
| Sixth Schedule | Special provisions for tribal areas in Northeast India |
Fifth Schedule – Administration of Scheduled Areas
✅ Governed by Article 244(1).
✅ Covers tribal-dominated areas in mainland India.
✅ Governor has special powers to:
- Declare an area as Scheduled Area.
- Modify laws applicable to tribals.
- Establish Tribal Advisory Councils (TACs).
Tribal Advisory Councils (TAC)
- Governors must establish TACs in Scheduled Areas.
- TACs advise on tribal welfare policies.
- Composition: 3/4th members must be from Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Criteria for Declaring a Scheduled Area
✔ Tribal population dominance.
✔ Social & economic backwardness.
✔ Geographical isolation.
✔ Distinct culture, customs & traditions.
Sixth Schedule – Administration of Tribal Areas (Northeast India)
✅ Governed by Article 244(2).
✅ Provides autonomy to tribal areas in Northeast states.
✅ States covered:
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Tripura
- Mizoram
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)
- ADCs are local self-governments that make laws on land, forests, and culture.
- Each ADC has up to 30 members (26 elected, 4 nominated).
- Power to levy taxes and regulate resources.
Powers of Autonomous District Councils
✅ Make laws on land, forests, inheritance, and tribal customs.
✅ Collect taxes on trade, profession, and vehicles.
✅ Establish schools, markets, and transport services.
✅ Oversee administration of villages.
Difference Between Fifth & Sixth Schedule Areas
| Feature | Fifth Schedule (Mainland India) | Sixth Schedule (Northeast India) |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Governor controls administration | Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) have legislative power |
| States Covered | Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, MP, Odisha, etc. | Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram |
| Powers | Governor can modify laws | Tribal Councils make their own laws |
| Financial Autonomy | Limited financial powers | Full financial autonomy (tax collection) |
Special Status of Sixth Schedule Areas
✔ Greater autonomy than Fifth Schedule areas.
✔ Can make laws without state government approval.
✔ Special protection for tribal culture & land rights.
✔ Can demand full statehood (e.g., Meghalaya was created from Assam under Article 244A).
Challenges in Scheduled & Tribal Areas
❌ Conflict with state laws – Some state governments do not fully recognize ADC powers.
❌ Poor implementation – Government schemes do not reach many tribal areas.
❌ Illegal land grabbing – Tribals lose land due to industries and deforestation.
❌ Lack of representation – Tribal councils have limited political power in mainstream politics.
MCQs on Scheduled & Tribal Areas
1. Which Constitutional Part deals with Scheduled & Tribal Areas?
A) Part VIII
B) Part IX
C) Part X
D) Part XI
Answer: C) Part X
2. Which Article governs Scheduled Areas?
A) Article 244(1)
B) Article 244(2)
C) Article 275
D) Article 330
Answer: A) Article 244(1)
3. Which Article governs Tribal Areas?
A) Article 243
B) Article 244(2)
C) Article 280
D) Article 300
Answer: B) Article 244(2)
4. Which Schedule deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas?
A) Fourth Schedule
B) Fifth Schedule
C) Sixth Schedule
D) Seventh Schedule
Answer: B) Fifth Schedule
5. Which Schedule deals with the administration of Tribal Areas?
A) Fourth Schedule
B) Fifth Schedule
C) Sixth Schedule
D) Seventh Schedule
Answer: C) Sixth Schedule
6. Autonomous District Councils are found in which states?
A) Jharkhand, Odisha
B) Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
C) Bihar, Chhattisgarh
D) Gujarat, Maharashtra
Answer: B) Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
7. What is the main role of Tribal Advisory Councils?
A) Implement tribal laws
B) Give advice on tribal welfare
C) Collect taxes
D) Conduct elections
Answer: B) Give advice on tribal welfare
8. Who has the power to modify laws in Scheduled Areas?
A) Chief Minister
B) Governor
C) Prime Minister
D) President
Answer: B) Governor
9. How many members are in an Autonomous District Council?
A) 20
B) 25
C) 30
D) 40
Answer: C) 30
10. Under which Article can a separate state be created for tribal regions?
A) Article 244A
B) Article 243P
C) Article 275
D) Article 300A
Answer: A) Article 244A
Conclusion
✅ Scheduled and Tribal Areas protect the rights of indigenous communities.
✅ Fifth Schedule (Mainland India) – Governor administers tribal policies.
✅ Sixth Schedule (Northeast India) – Autonomous District Councils govern tribal areas.
✅ However, challenges like land disputes, poor governance, and lack of representation remain.
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