What are the 5th and 6th schedules?
- The Indian Constitution defines the term “scheduled area” as the area where the tribal population resides. The central government makes special efforts to protect these scheduled areas because it is important to preserve the cultures and ethnicities of the tribal population.
- The central government also makes efforts to protect the economic interests of the tribal population in the scheduled areas. In this sequence, some special provisions have been made in the 5th Schedule and 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution regarding the scheduled areas. The 5th Schedule and 6th Schedule determine which areas fall under the classification of Scheduled Areas.
- Through the table below, you can develop an important understanding of the 5th Schedule and 6th Schedule of the Constitution:
Factor |
5th Schedule |
6th Schedule |
---|---|---|
Areas |
The 5th Schedule protects the interests of the tribal population in all the Scheduled Areas except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. |
The 6th Schedule covers the Scheduled Areas not included in the 5th Schedule, i.e. the Scheduled Areas of Assam, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya, and protects the interests of the tribal population in this area. |
Powers & Responsibilities |
In the Scheduled Areas covered under the 5th Schedule, the Governor of the State has special powers and responsibilities with respect to the protection of the tribal population. These responsibilities also include issuing orders restricting the effect of the actions of the state legislature. |
The 6th Schedule covers areas that are subject to self-governance, i.e. tribal communities are given significant control over their own conditions, including autonomy to make laws and receive funds from the central government with respect to social and infrastructural development. |
Autonomy |
In case of areas falling under the 5th Schedule, the autonomy to take decisions for welfare rests with the local government or the Governor. |
In case of 6th Schedule, autonomy does not depend on the local government and the Governor, hence, the principle of self-reliance is followed. |
Councils |
Tribes Advisory Councils |
Autonomous District councils |
Expression of Area |
In the Constitution, the expression ‘Scheduled Areas’ means such areas as the President of India may by order declare to be Scheduled Areas.” |
The Governor has the power to create a new Autonomous District/Region or alter the territorial jurisdiction or the name of any Autonomous District or Autonomous Regions. |
Scheduled Tribes & PVTGs
Scheduled Tribes & PVTGs: Particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) are a group of people in the tribal community who need greater support and development. Out of 705 Scheduled Tribes in India, 75 Scheduled Tribes have been identified as PVTGs and are spread across 17 states and one Union Territory.
Let us learn in detail below!
Table of Content
- Who are PVTG?
- What are Scheduled Tribes?
- Criteria for Identifying PVTGs
- What are the Characteristics of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups?
- How many PVTGs are there in India?
- Issues faced by PVTGs in India
- Government schemes for PVTGs