Question 742
Which Schedule of the Constitution of India deals with the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram?
Answer
Sixth Schedule
Why?
The correct answer is Sixth Schedule . Key Points The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India provides for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram . It allows for the establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) to administer these areas, granting a significant degree of autonomy in governance . These councils have the authority to make laws on specific subjects such as land, forests, water resources, and inheritance of property, among others, ensuring the protection of tribal interests. The Sixth Schedule aims to preserve the distinct culture, traditions, and identity of the tribal communities in these areas. ADCs also have the power to collect certain taxes and manage local resources, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. Additional Information Fifth Schedule The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It provides for the establishment of a Tribes Advisory Council in each state to advise on matters related to the welfare and advancement of Scheduled Tribes. The President of India has the power to declare any area as a Scheduled Area under this schedule. Eighth Schedule The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists the official languages recognized by the Government of India. Initially, the schedule included 14 languages, but over time, the list has expanded to 22 languages , including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Urdu, and others. It plays a crucial role in preserving the linguistic diversity of India. Ninth Schedule The Ninth Schedule of the Constitution was added by the First Amendment Act of 1951 . It provides a shield for certain laws from judicial review, particularly those related to land reforms and abolition of the zamindari system. However, the Supreme Court in the Keshavananda Bharati case (1973) ruled that even laws under the Ninth Schedule are subject to judicial review if they violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
