If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it?
Correct Answer: Option A
The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (which are covered under the Sixth Schedule).
A key provision under the Fifth Schedule aims to protect the land rights of tribal communities. The Samatha Judgment is crucial here, reinforcing the autonomy of tribal areas by declaring the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining as null and void.
Governors of states with Scheduled Areas can make regulations regarding the transfer of land to prevent exploitation of tribal populations.
While the Fifth Schedule empowers the Union Government to give directions to the states regarding the administration of such areas and mandates the establishment of Tribes Advisory Councils (TACs), it does not create a local self-governing body, convert the area into a Union Territory, or declare the state a Special Category State.
Statement A is correct. Statements B, C, and D are not correct.