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 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The Fifth Schedule (Article 244) governs Scheduled Areas in States other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram; the President declares such areas.
• Statement I is wrong: the State's executive power extends to Scheduled Areas (para 2); the Governor may direct that particular laws not apply or make regulations, and a Tribes Advisory Council advises, but no local body takes over 'total administration'.
• Statement II is wrong: the Union's role is limited to the Centre issuing directions to the State on administration of Scheduled Areas (para 3) and receiving the Governor's annual report; there is no provision for the Union Government to take over total administration.
• The Sixth Schedule, by contrast, creates autonomous district councils with legislative powers.
• Hence neither I nor II, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) I only
- Statement I is wrong: the State retains executive power in Scheduled Areas.
- (b) II only
- Statement II is wrong: the Union can only issue directions, not take over administration.
- (c) Both I and II
- Both statements misdescribe the Fifth Schedule.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.