Part X of Indian Constitution: Scheduled & Tribal Areas Administration (Articles 244-244A)

Part 10 of Indian Constitution deals with Scheduled and Tribal Areas Administration covering Article 244 to 244 A.The detailed overview has been explained as under -

Part 10 of Indian Constitution Overview

Part X of Indian Constitution, titled "Scheduled and Tribal Areas," outlines the administration and governance of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes through Articles 244 and 244A. This part defines the role of the Fifth and Sixth Schedules in managing tribal affairs. The Fifth Schedule applies to Scheduled Areas and Tribes in most Indian states (excluding Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram), while the Sixth Schedule deals specifically with tribal areas in these four northeastern states, allowing for the creation of autonomous district and regional councils. Article 244A empowers Parliament to establish autonomous states within Assam for better governance of tribal regions, making Part 10 of Indian Constitution crucial for understanding India’s tribal administration framework. 

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Following is a brief scheme relating to Part X of Indian Constitution :

Article 244 – Administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas

Article 244 provides the framework for administering tribal regions through the Fifth and Sixth Schedules:

• Fifth Schedule: Applies to Scheduled Areas in states except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It empowers the Governor to oversee administration and make regulations for tribal welfare.
• Sixth Schedule: Applies to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, allowing the creation of Autonomous District and Regional Councils with local governance powers.

Article 244A – Autonomous State in Assam

Article 244A allows Parliament to create an autonomous state within Assam for certain tribal areas. It also permits the formation of a separate Legislature and Council of Ministers to ensure self-governance and protect the cultural identity of tribal communities in the region.