Page 34 – Scheduled & Tribal Areas
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
Scheduled & Tribal Areas ensure protection of tribal communities, their land, culture, and development.
Two models:
- Fifth Schedule (Mainland tribal areas)
- Sixth Schedule (Northeastern autonomous councils)
- Differences between 5th & 6th Schedule
- Powers of Tribal Advisory Council
- Autonomous District Councils
- PESA Act (1996)
Fifth Schedule Areas
Mainland tribal regions – 10 States
Applicable States (10)
- Jharkhand
- Chhattisgarh
- Odisha
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Himachal Pradesh
Administration
- President declares & modifies areas
- Governor administers on behalf of President
- Governor makes regulations for peace & good govt
- Annual report to President
🏛️ Tribal Advisory Council (TAC)
- Mandatory in states with Scheduled Areas
- 20 members (3/4th must be ST MLAs)
- Advises Governor on tribal welfare matters
- Recommendation on land transfer regulations
- Reviews schemes for tribal development
Sixth Schedule Areas
Northeast autonomous councils – 4 States
Applicable States (4)
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Tripura
- Mizoram
(Remember: AMTM)
Autonomous District Councils
- Elected body (30 members max)
- 5-year term
- Chief Executive Member heads
- Mini-legislature for tribal areas
Legislative Powers
- Land & forest management
- Village & town administration
- Marriage & divorce (customary)
- Social customs & inheritance
Financial Powers
- Levy & collect taxes
- License fees on trade
- Royalty on minerals
- Land revenue
Fifth vs Sixth Schedule
Key differences
| Aspect | Fifth Schedule | Sixth Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Mainland India (10 states) | Northeast (4 states – AMTM) |
| Administration | Governor (with TAC advice) | Autonomous District Councils |
| Autonomy | Less – Governor controls | More – Councils have legislative powers |
| Advisory Body | Tribal Advisory Council | Not needed – ADCs self-governing |
| Courts | Regular courts apply | Village councils & customary courts |
PESA Act (1996)
Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas
📋 Key Features
- Applies to Fifth Schedule Areas
- Extends Panchayati Raj to tribal regions
- Strengthens Gram Sabha powers
- Protects customary laws
- Self-governance for tribals
⚡ Gram Sabha Powers (PESA)
- Approve development plans
- Control over minor forest produce
- Control over minor water bodies
- Mandatory consultation for land acquisition
- Prevent land alienation
Simulation Lab
Tribal Governance Explorer
🧪 Schedule Area Router
Select a scenario to see which schedule provisions apply.
Select a scenario to see applicable provisions.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 Which states fall under Sixth Schedule?
Remember AMTM – only these 4 northeastern states have Sixth Schedule areas with Autonomous District Councils.
2 Who administers Fifth Schedule areas?
Governor administers Fifth Schedule areas with advice from Tribal Advisory Council. ADCs are for Sixth Schedule (Northeast).
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Fifth Schedule: 10 mainland states | Governor administers | TAC advises
- 2 Sixth Schedule: AMTM states | ADCs with legislative powers | High autonomy
- 3 PESA (1996): Extends Panchayati Raj to Fifth Schedule areas | Empowers Gram Sabha