UPSC Mains 2016 GS1 Q10 — Scheduled Tribes
Why are the tribals in India referred to as the 'Scheduled Tribes'? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- WhyIndicate
- Scope keywords
- tribals in IndiaScheduled Tribesmajor provisionsenshrined in the Constitution of Indiaupliftment
- Implicit sub-parts
- Definition and administrative significance of 'Scheduling' under Article 342.
- The criteria for identification (primitive traits, geographical isolation, backwardness).
- Classification of provisions into Protective, Pro-active (Developmental), and Representative categories.
- Common pitfalls
- Failing to mention Article 342 or the role of the President/Governor in the scheduling process.
- Listing general welfare schemes (NGOs/Schemes) instead of focusing strictly on 'Constitutional' provisions as asked.
- Forgetting to mention the 5th and 6th Schedules, which are the bedrock of tribal administration.
- Vagueness regarding the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (Article 338A).
- Dimensions required
- Legal/ConstitutionalAdministrativePolitical/RepresentationalSocial/Educational
- Marks allocation hint
Dedicate approximately 40-50 words to the 'Why' part, focusing on the administrative necessity of Article 342. Use the remaining 150 words to categorize constitutional provisions into protective (Art 17, 46, 23), political (Art 330, 332), and administrative (5th/6th Schedule, Art 275) dimensions to ensure a structured, high-scoring response.
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