The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey today informed Lok Sabha that the administration of Scheduled Areas in States covered under the Fifth Schedule is governed by the provisions of the Constitution of India under Article 244 of the Constitution of India read with the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India. The powers of the Governor under paragraph 5 of the Fifth Schedule are exercised by the respective Governors of the Fifth Schedule States. The decisions taken by the Governors in exercise of such powers are notified and maintained by the respective State Governments. The information relating to such decisions during the last ten years is maintained by the concerned State Governments.

As per the provisions contained in paragraph 5(1) of the Fifth Schedule, the Governors of the Fifth Schedule States may make regulations for the peace and good governance of the Scheduled Areas, including matters relating to local governance. Notifications in this regard, wherever issued, are published by the concerned State Governments and maintained in their official records.

As provided under paragraph 4 of the Fifth Schedule, Tribes Advisory Councils (TACs) have been constituted in the States having Scheduled Areas therein and, if the President so directs, also in any State having Scheduled Tribes but not scheduled Areas therein, to advise on matters pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes. The composition, procedure and functioning of TACs, including the number of meetings held, are determined by the respective State Governments in accordance with the provisions of the Fifth Schedule.

The Government of India has been encouraging the States to strengthen institutional mechanisms for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, including effective functioning of the TACs. The details regarding the works undertaken by the TACs and related activities are maintained by the respective State Governments.

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