Q. Which of the following are the criteria for declaring any area as a “Scheduled Area” under the Fifth Schedule?
1. Preponderance of tribal population.
2. Compactness and reasonable size of the area.
3. Economic backwardness of the area as compared to the neighboring areas.
4. A viable administrative entity such as a district, block or taluk.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
As per the Constitutional provision under Article 244 (1) of the Constitution of India, the ‘Scheduled Areas’ are defined as ‘such areas as the President may by order declare to be Scheduled Areas’ – as per paragraph 6(1) of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
The criteria for declaring any area as a “Scheduled Area” under the Fifth Schedule are:
- Preponderance of tribal population,
- Compactness and reasonable size of the area,
- A viable administrative entity such as a district, block or taluk, and
- Economic backwardness of the area as compared to the neighboring areas.
These criteria are not spelt out in the Constitution of India but have become well established. Accordingly, since the year 1950 to 2007 Constitutional Order relating to Scheduled Areas has been notified.
Source: Ministry of Tribal Welfare
