UPSC Prelims 2025 Q56: Indian Polity – Federalism & Centre - State Relations
Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in
a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule I. the State Government loses its
executive power in such areas and a local body assumes total administration. II. the Union
Government can take over the total administration of such areas under certain circumstances on
the recommendations of the Governor.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) I only
- (b) II only
- (c) Both I and II
- (d) Neither I nor II
Answer: (d) Neither I nor II
Explanation
Statement-by-Statement Breakdown:
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statement I | State Government loses executive power in Scheduled Areas; local body assumes total administration | FALSE | Under the Fifth Schedule, the Governor gets special powers to direct application of laws to Scheduled Areas. But the State executive power is NOT lost - the State government continues to govern. There is no provision for a local body to "assume total administration." |
| Statement II | Union Government can take over total administration of Scheduled Areas on Governor's recommendation under certain circumstances | FALSE | The President may assume administration under Article 356 (President's Rule), but this is NOT specific to Scheduled Areas. The Fifth Schedule does NOT provide a specific mechanism for the Union to take over Scheduled Areas on Governor's recommendation. |
Both statements are false → Answer: Neither I nor II
Fifth Schedule — What It Actually Does:
| Power | Details |
|---|---|
| Governor's authority | Can declare tribal land transfers void, make regulations, modify/annul central/state laws for Scheduled Areas |
| Tribes Advisory Council | Governor must consult TAC for matters concerning welfare of Scheduled Tribes |
| State executive | Continues to function - State Government retains executive power |
| Parliament | Can legislate for Scheduled Areas; override state laws |
| Key point | Fifth Schedule ≠ removal of State power; it = extra layer of Governor + Centre oversight |
Answer: (d) Neither I nor II.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement I says State loses executive power — FALSE. The State retains executive power in Scheduled Areas; only an additional layer of Governor's special powers is added.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement II says Union can take over total administration via Governor's recommendation — there is no such specific mechanism in the Fifth Schedule. Art. 356 applies generally, not specifically to Scheduled Areas.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements incorrectly describe the Fifth Schedule's operation. Neither the loss of State power (I) nor the specific Union takeover mechanism (II) exists under the Fifth Schedule.
- (d) CORRECT. Statement I overstates by saying State loses all executive power. Statement II invents a mechanism not in the Fifth Schedule. Both are wrong.
Key point
Fifth Schedule ≠ removal of State executive power. Governor gets additional oversight powers. State government CONTINUES to function. Union takeover is via Art. 356, not Fifth Schedule.
Remember
Fifth Schedule: Governor gets special powers but State executive is NOT removed. Sixth Schedule (NE India): autonomous district councils with legislative power — stronger tribal autonomy.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Fifth Schedule (tribal areas in mainland India) with Sixth Schedule (tribal areas in NE India — which DOES have autonomous councils with more legislative power).
- Thinking Scheduled Areas = Union Territories — they remain within States with additional Governor oversight.
- Assuming Governor's special powers under Fifth Schedule = replacement of State Government — it's supplementary, not replacement.
Exam tip
Fifth Schedule = extra powers for Governor, NOT removal of State. Sixth Schedule = autonomous councils with REAL legislative powers in NE India (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram). UPSC frequently tests the difference between these two schedules.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Fifth Schedule (Provisions as to the Administration and Control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes)
- Constitution of India — Sixth Schedule (Provisions as to the Administration of Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram)