Q. Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India:
1. Provisions regarding the administration of the Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram are given in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
2. Some tribes of India are entitled to exemption from paying Income Tax on certain incomes.
3. The Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats in Panchayats for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct?
(a) There are two correct statements, that include statement 2.
(b) There are two correct statements, that are statements 1 and 3.
(c) There is only one correct statement.
(d) All three statements are correct.

Answer : A

Explanation:

Statement I is correct: India's LT-LEDS, submitted to UNFCCC in Nov 2022, is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Statement II is correct: BUR-4 submitted on 30 Dec 2024 showed total GHG emissions in 2020 decreased by 7.93% (≈8%) compared to 2019.
Statement III is not correct: Climate-resilient development depends on long-term, sustained action — not quick or short-term emission reduction targets.

Source:
pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2042999
pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2089589
unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/India_LTLEDS.pdf

Explanation:

Statement 1 is not correct: The administration of Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram is provided under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, not the Fifth Schedule.

• Fifth Schedule: Applies to Scheduled Areas in states other than the North-East Sixth Schedule states.
• Sixth Schedule: Applies to tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram with autonomous district councils.

Statement 2 is correct: Section 10(26) of the Income Tax Act provides tax exemptions to members of Scheduled Tribes residing in specified areas of North-Eastern states and certain notified tribal regions.

Statement 3 is correct: Under Article 243D of the Constitution of India, reservation is provided in Panchayats for:

• Scheduled Castes (SCs)
• Scheduled Tribes (STs)
• Women, including SC/ST women

This provision was introduced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.

Source:
constitutionofindia.net/articles/article-243d-reservation-of-seats/