Scheduled Areas in India
Why in news ?
India’s Scheduled Tribes (STs) constitute 8.6% of the population, residing in various states and union territories. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution is a critical provision for the administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas.
Scheduled Areas & Constitutional provisions in India:
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities: India’s 705 Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities — making up 8.6% of the country’s population — live in 26 States and six Union Territories.
- Scheduled Areas: Scheduled Areas cover 11.3% of India’s land area, and have been notified in 10 States: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.
- Article 244: Pertaining to the administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas, Article 244 is the single most important constitutional provision for STs
Governance of Scheduled Areas:
- The President of India notifies India’s Scheduled Areas.
- The court has observed that the declaration of a Scheduled Area is “within the exclusive discretion of the President”.
Tribal Advisory Council:
- States with Scheduled Areas need to constitute a Tribal Advisory Council with up to 20 ST members.
- They will advise the Governor on matters referred to them regarding ST welfare.
- The Governor will then submit a reportevery year to the President regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas.
Role of national government:
The national government can give directions to the State regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas.
What are the Provisions Related to STs in India?
- The Constitution of India does not define the criteria for recognition of STs. As per Census-1931, STs are termed as “backward tribes” living in the “Excluded” and “Partially Excluded” areas.
- The Government of India Act of 1935 called for the first time for representatives of “backward tribes” in provincial assemblies.
Source – PIB
