What is Scheduled and Tribal Areas?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The Fifth Schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
- 2.
The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of Tribal Areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It provides for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
- 3.
The Governor of a state with Scheduled Areas has special powers to direct that a particular Act of Parliament or the state legislature shall not apply to a Scheduled Area or shall apply only with specified modifications.
- 4.
ADCs have the power to make laws on various subjects, including land, forests, agriculture, education, and public health.
- 5.
The President can declare an area as a Scheduled Area after consulting with the Governor of the concerned state.
- 6.
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas to have a greater say in the management of natural resources and development activities.
- 7.
Land alienation is a major issue in Scheduled Areas. Laws are in place to prevent the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
- 8.
The Constitution provides for the establishment of Tribes Advisory Councils (TACs) in states with Scheduled Areas to advise the government on matters relating to the welfare and advancement of Scheduled Tribes.
- 9.
Article 244 of the Constitution deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas.
- 10.
The objective is to ensure that tribal communities are able to preserve their traditional way of life and culture while also benefiting from development.
- 11.
The Sixth Schedule allows for the creation of separate regional councils within ADCs to cater to different tribal groups.
- 12.
Funds for development in Scheduled and Tribal Areas are provided through various central and state government schemes.
Visual Insights
Fifth Schedule vs Sixth Schedule
Comparison table highlighting the key differences between the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution.
| Feature | Fifth Schedule | Sixth Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | States other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram | Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram |
| Administration | Governor's Power to modify laws | Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) |
| Autonomy | Less Autonomous | More Autonomous |
| Legislative Powers | No direct legislative powers | ADCs have legislative powers on certain subjects |
Recent Developments
10 developmentsIn 2023, there were discussions about extending the Sixth Schedule to tribal areas in states like Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is actively promoting the implementation of PESA in Scheduled Areas.
There are ongoing debates about the effectiveness of ADCs in promoting development and protecting tribal rights.
Several court cases have challenged land alienation in Scheduled Areas, seeking to protect tribal land rights.
The government has launched various schemes to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Scheduled and Tribal Areas.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) regularly reviews the implementation of constitutional safeguards for tribal communities.
Increased focus on promoting sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship among tribal communities.
Efforts to strengthen the capacity of Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas to exercise their powers under PESA.
Discussions on amending the Sixth Schedule to address emerging challenges and improve governance in Tribal Areas.
The use of technology and digital platforms to improve access to services and information in remote tribal areas.
This Concept in News
2 topicsTop Maoist Leader Devuji Surrenders Amid Government Crackdown
23 Feb 2026The surrender of the Maoist leader Devuji underscores several aspects of the Scheduled and Tribal Areas concept. (1) It highlights the persistent challenges of governance and development in these areas, which can create conditions conducive to extremism. (2) The news demonstrates the government's dual approach of security operations and development initiatives to address LWE in Scheduled Areas. (3) It reveals the evolving dynamics of the Maoist movement, with internal divisions and surrenders indicating a weakening of the insurgency. (4) The implications of this news for the future of Scheduled Areas include the potential for increased stability and development if the government can effectively address the root causes of LWE. (5) Understanding the concept of Scheduled and Tribal Areas is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the socio-economic and political factors that contribute to LWE and the government's efforts to address it.
Maoist couple with ₹1-crore reward surrender in Odisha
7 Feb 2026The news of Maoist surrender in Odisha highlights the complex relationship between Scheduled and Tribal Areas, governance, and security. (1) It demonstrates the persistent challenges of integrating these areas into the mainstream while addressing their specific needs and grievances. (2) The news applies the concept of Scheduled Areas by showing how lack of development and land alienation can fuel unrest and extremism. (3) It reveals the need for a multi-pronged approach that combines security measures with development initiatives and respect for tribal rights. (4) The implications of this news for the concept's future are that a more nuanced and inclusive approach is needed to address the root causes of conflict in Scheduled and Tribal Areas. (5) Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing the news because it provides the context for understanding the underlying issues and the government's response.
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What are Scheduled and Tribal Areas, and what is their constitutional basis?
Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas are special regions in India designed to protect the rights and culture of tribal populations. Their constitutional basis lies in Article 244, the Fifth Schedule (for areas outside the Northeast), and the Sixth Schedule (for areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram).
Exam Tip
Remember Article 244, Fifth Schedule (states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram), and Sixth Schedule (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram) for prelims.
2. What are the key provisions of the Fifth Schedule regarding Scheduled Areas?
The Fifth Schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Key provisions include the power of the Governor to direct that an Act of Parliament or the state legislature shall not apply to a Scheduled Area or shall apply only with specified modifications.
Exam Tip
Focus on the Governor's power to modify or prevent the application of laws in Scheduled Areas.
3. What are the key provisions of the Sixth Schedule regarding Tribal Areas?
The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of Tribal Areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It provides for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), which have the power to make laws on various subjects, including land, forests, agriculture, education, and public health.
Exam Tip
Remember that the Sixth Schedule applies only to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
4. What is the role of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under the Sixth Schedule?
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) have the power to make laws on various subjects, including land, forests, agriculture, education, and public health. They also have the power to collect taxes and fees. ADCs aim to preserve the culture and identity of the tribal communities and promote development in the tribal areas.
Exam Tip
Note the subjects on which ADCs can make laws - land, forests, agriculture, education, and public health.
5. How do Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas work in practice?
In practice, Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas are governed with special considerations for the tribal population. The Governor plays a crucial role in Scheduled Areas, while ADCs administer Tribal Areas under the Sixth Schedule. The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) extends the principles of Panchayati Raj to Scheduled Areas.
6. What is the difference between the Fifth Schedule and the Sixth Schedule?
The Fifth Schedule applies to states with Scheduled Areas that are not Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It focuses on the administration and control of these areas through the Governor. The Sixth Schedule applies to the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram and provides for Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with greater legislative and administrative powers.
7. What is the significance of Scheduled and Tribal Areas in Indian democracy?
Scheduled and Tribal Areas are significant because they aim to protect the social, economic, and cultural rights of tribal communities. They ensure that tribal populations have a voice in governance and are not marginalized. These provisions promote inclusive growth and social justice.
8. What are the challenges in the implementation of provisions for Scheduled and Tribal Areas?
Challenges include: inadequate funding for ADCs, delays in the implementation of PESA, lack of awareness among tribal communities about their rights, and conflicts between traditional governance systems and modern administration. There are also debates about the effectiveness of ADCs in promoting development and protecting tribal rights.
9. What reforms have been suggested for improving the administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas?
Suggested reforms include: increasing funding for ADCs, strengthening the implementation of PESA, promoting greater participation of tribal communities in decision-making, improving coordination between government agencies and ADCs, and extending the Sixth Schedule to other states with significant tribal populations.
10. What is the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA)?
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) extends the principles of Panchayati Raj to the Scheduled Areas of India. It aims to empower the Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) in these areas and ensure their participation in decision-making related to natural resources, development projects, and other local matters.
Exam Tip
Remember that PESA extends Panchayati Raj principles to Scheduled Areas.
11. How has the concept of Scheduled and Tribal Areas evolved over time?
The concept evolved from 'Excluded Areas' and 'Partially Excluded Areas' during British rule. After independence, the Constitution makers created the Fifth and Sixth Schedules to address the specific needs of tribal populations. PESA was later enacted to further empower Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas. Recent discussions include extending the Sixth Schedule to other states.
12. What are some frequently asked aspects of Scheduled and Tribal Areas in the UPSC exam?
Frequently asked aspects include: the differences between the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, the role of the Governor and ADCs, the provisions of PESA, the constitutional basis for Scheduled and Tribal Areas, and the challenges in implementation. Questions can also be asked about recent developments and government initiatives.