The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to
A
protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
B
determine the boundaries between States
C
determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
D
protect the interests of all the border States
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. The Constitution of India contains special provisions for the administration and control of specific areas and the welfare of certain sections of the population.
2. The Fifth Schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any State except the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
3. The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of the tribal areas in the four northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
4. Both schedules provide for special administrative arrangements, including the formation of Tribes Advisory Councils (Fifth Schedule) and Autonomous District Councils/Regional Councils (Sixth Schedule), aimed at safeguarding the rights, customs, and interests of the Scheduled Tribes living in these areas.
5. Therefore, the primary purpose of the provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule is to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes (Option A).
6. Option (B) is incorrect; determining boundaries between States falls under Article 3.
7. Option (C) is incorrect; the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats are dealt with primarily in Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule.
8. Option (D) is incorrect; these schedules are specific to tribal areas/tribes, not all border States.