UPSC » Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India

Q. 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

86. निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

भारत के संविधान के संदर्भ में, यदि पाँचवीं अनुसूची के अधीन किसी राज्य में कोई क्षेत्र अनुसूचित क्षेत्र घोषित कर दिया जाता है, तो

I. ऐसे क्षेत्रों में राज्य सरकार अपनी कार्यपालिका शक्ति खो देती है और एक स्थानीय निकाय पूर्ण प्रशासन ग्रहण कर लेता है
II. संघ की सरकार कतिपय परिस्थितियों में राज्यपाल की सिफारिश पर ऐसे क्षेत्रों के पूर्ण प्रशासन को अपने हाथ में ले सकती है

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं?

(a) केवल I
(b) केवल II
(c) I और II दोनों
(d) न तो I और न ही II

Answer: (d) Neither I nor II

Explanation:

  • Statement I is incorrect: While the PESA Act significantly empowers local bodies like Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas, it does not completely strip the State Government of executive power.
  • The State Government continues to exercise administrative authority, though it must consult Gram Sabhas on matters related to tribal land, resources, and customary practices before taking decisions affecting these areas.
  • Statement II is incorrect: Paragraph 3 of the Fifth Schedule provides that the Governor of each State having Scheduled Areas shall annually, or whenever required by the President, make a report to the President regarding the administration of the Scheduled Areas in that State.
  • It further states that the executive power of the Union extends to giving directions to the State regarding administration of such areas.
  • This provision allows the Union Government to issue directions to the State based on the Governor’s report. However, it does not empower the Union Government to take over the complete administration of Scheduled Areas merely on the recommendation of the Governor.
  • The Union Government can exercise such control only through constitutional mechanisms involving the President, and not solely on the advice of the Governor.