Topic: Scheduled and tribal areas
2. “Sixth schedule of the Indian constitution has been successful in protecting the tribal culture and inclusivity”. Analyse. (250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper II, part Indian polity.
Key Demand of the question:
The question aims to analyse the success and achievements of sixth schedule of the Indian constitution.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Sixth Schedule in the Indian Constitution established Autonomous District Councils (ADC) in four northeastern states, namely Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. These ADCs envisage protecting and preserving tribal culture.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Talk about the origin of sixth schedule, The Sixth Schedule was originally intended for the predominantly tribal areas (tribal population over 90%) of undivided Assam, which was categorized as “excluded areas” under the Government of India Act, 1935 and was under the direct control of the Governor.
Then discuss the concerns associated and assess the success of it till date.
Conclusion:
Special constitutional protections are indeed required for marginalized sections to ensure that historical wrongs done to them are reversed and not repeated, but it has denied justice to the non-tribals, who have lived in ADCs for generations but ended up marginalized.
