Question 7 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Polity

Question

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

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes

Strategy: Focus on the specific constitutional references: Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule. These are uniquely associated with safeguarding Scheduled Tribes in India, not with boundaries, Panchayat powers, or border states. Recognizing these phrases immediately directs to the correct option without confusion.

Key Info: **Fifth Schedule**
- Applies to Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
- Empowers the President to declare and alter Scheduled Areas.
- Provides for Tribal Advisory Councils to advise on tribal welfare and advancement.
- Grants the Governor special responsibilities for peace and good governance, including restricting land transfer and regulating money-lending to tribal communities.

**Sixth Schedule**
- Contains special provisions for tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
- Establishes Autonomous District Councils and Regional Councils.
- These councils have legislative, administrative, and limited judicial powers over subjects like land, forest management, village administration, inheritance, and social customs.

**Overall Purpose**
- Both schedules aim to protect and advance the interests, culture, and customary rights of India's tribal populations.
- They provide special governance mechanisms to address socioeconomic vulnerabilities and distinct identities.
- Neither schedule relates to state boundaries, Panchayat powers, or the specific interests of border states.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: determine the boundaries between States

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: determine the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: protect the interests of all the border States