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Polity & Governance2025
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?

Explanation

The correct option is "Neither I nor II" because both statements misrepresent the constitutional provisions regarding Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Statement I is incorrect because while the governance structure in Scheduled Areas is designed to ensure tribal self-governance, the State Government does not completely lose its executive power; rather, certain regulations are tailored to protect the interests of the Scheduled Tribes, often involving the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions. Statement II is also incorrect as the Union Government does not automatically assume total administration of Scheduled Areas; it can intervene under specific circumstances, but this does not equate to total takeover without conditions or recommendations. This highlights the delicate balance between state and central powers in managing tribal affairs.

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