Revision summary
The Fifth Schedule gives the Governor special law and land powers in Scheduled Areas. A Tribes Advisory Council and a report to the President are mandatory tools. The aim is to stop tribal land alienation. In practice the powers are under-used. PESA and FRA still need that gubernatorial watch.
Model answer
Introduction
In Fifth Schedule areas the Governor is not a ceremonial copy of the state Governor elsewhere. The Schedule gives special legislative and reporting duties for tribal protection.
Body
Powers on paper
- The Governor may restrict or modify central and state laws in Scheduled Areas, especially on land and money-lending.
- A Tribes Advisory Council must be consulted. Annual reports go to the President.
- These tools are the constitutional brake on land alienation that Article 244 promised.
Practice
- Most Governors rarely use the law-making power. State cabinets still drive mines and acquisition.
- PESA and FRA need the Governor’s watch if gram sabhas are ignored.
- The role is therefore a dormant shield: strong in the text, weak unless politically invoked.
Flow diagram
flowchart TD G[Governor] --> L[Modify laws land credit] G --> T[Tribes Advisory Council] G --> R[Report to President]
Conclusion
The Fifth Schedule Governor is the Union’s tribal trustee in Scheduled Areas. The office matters when it actually restricts harmful law and land transfer.
Quick related
Students also ask
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Examine the contribution of village studies towards the understanding of Indian social system
Next question in the 2015 paper (Q6). View answer →
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Is this the same as the Sixth Schedule?
No. Sixth Schedule uses autonomous councils. Fifth Schedule uses the Governor and TAC.
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Can the Governor ignore the state cabinet?
The Schedule names personal responsibility. Political practice is usually cabinet-led.
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