Polity
2015
Schedules of Constitution
Union and State

The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to

D.protect the interests of all the border States
B.determine the boundaries between states
A.protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
C.determine the powers, authorities, and responsibilities of Panchayats

Correct Answer: Option A

The Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution of India are designed to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes.

The Panchayati Raj system does not automatically apply to the Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas. This is to safeguard local tribal practices, customs, religious laws, and social and political institutions.

Instead, the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), extends the Panchayati Raj system to these tribal areas, ensuring their unique cultural and social structures are respected.

Therefore, option A is the correct answer.