📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.56 | Classroom Explanation

(Current Affairs | Fifth Schedule & Scheduled Areas)

📌 Question

Q.56) Consider the following statements:

With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as a 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

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✅ Correct Answer: (d) Neither I nor II

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This is a classic UPSC trap question on the Fifth Schedule, designed to confuse candidates between:

• Special powers of the Governor
• Role of Gram Sabha / PESA
• Executive authority of the State
• Union’s supervisory role

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🔍 Statement-wise Analysis

❌ Statement I: Incorrect

“The State Government loses its executive power in such areas and a local body assumes total administration.”

• Paragraph 2 of the Fifth Schedule clearly states:

“The executive power of the State extends to the Scheduled Areas.”

• What actually happens:

• The State Government retains executive authority
• The Governor has special powers:
  • Modify or restrict application of laws (Para 5)
  • Submit reports to the President
  • Establish Tribes Advisory Council (Para 4)
• PESA Act, 1996 strengthens Gram Sabha, but:
  • Does not replace State administration
  • Operates within State executive framework

➡️ State authority is modified, not removed

Hence, Statement I is incorrect.

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❌ Statement II: Incorrect

“The Union Government can take over the total administration of such areas under certain circumstances on the recommendations of the Governor.”

• Paragraph 3 of the Fifth Schedule allows:

• Union Government to issue directions to the State regarding Scheduled Areas

• But:

• There is no provision in the Fifth Schedule for the Union to take over total administration
• A complete takeover can happen only under Article 356 (President’s Rule)

📌 Important distinction:

• Fifth Schedule ≠ President’s Rule
• Governor’s report ≠ automatic Union takeover

➡️ Hence, Statement II is incorrect.

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🧮 UPSC-Style Elimination Table

Statement	Correct?
I	❌
II	❌

➡️ None are correct

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🎯 Final Answer

✅ Correct Answer: (d) Neither I nor II

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📦 High-Value Prelims Add-Ons (Info Box)

🧠 One-Line Memory Hook

Scheduled Areas modify State power — they do not remove it.

⚠️ UPSC Trap Alert

• UPSC often tests:

• Confusion between special powers and loss of power
• Mixing up Fifth Schedule with Article 356

📌 Fifth Schedule Snapshot

• Applies to: Scheduled Tribes (except NE Sixth Schedule areas)
• Key features:
  • Governor’s discretionary powers
  • Tribes Advisory Council
  • Union’s supervisory role (directions only)

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