UPSC Prelims 2015 Q59: Indian Polity – Federalism & Centre - State Relations
The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in
order to
- (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
- (b) determine the boundaries between States
- (c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
- (d) protect the interests of all the border States
Answer: (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
Explanation
Fifth and Sixth Schedules
Both Schedules flow from Article 244 and protect the Scheduled Tribes.
| Feature | Fifth Schedule | Sixth Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Scheduled Areas in States other than the four below | Tribal Areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram |
| Body | Tribes Advisory Council | Autonomous District Councils |
| Powers | Governor can modify or bar laws in these areas | Councils make laws on land, forests and customs |
| Declared by | The President | Listed in the Schedule itself |
The options checked:
| Option | Actual provision |
|---|---|
| (b) Boundaries between States | First Schedule and Article 3 |
| (c) Powers of Panchayats | Eleventh Schedule |
| (d) Interests of all the border States | No such Schedule |
Answer: (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Both Schedules exist to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes.
- (b) Incorrect. Boundaries between States are dealt with in the First Schedule.
- (c) Incorrect. Powers of Panchayats are in the Eleventh Schedule.
- (d) Incorrect. No Schedule is meant for all the border States.
Key point
Fifth Schedule: Scheduled Areas, Tribes Advisory Council. Sixth Schedule: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram; Autonomous District Councils. Both under Article 244.
Remember
Fifth and Sixth Schedules = Scheduled Tribes.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the four States of the Sixth Schedule.
- Confusing the Fifth Schedule with the Eleventh (Panchayats).
- Thinking the Sixth Schedule covers all north-eastern States.
Exam tip
Sixth Schedule States: AMTM - Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 244, Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Scheduled and Tribal Areas