Cabinet approves declaration of Scheduled Areas in Rajasthan under Fifth Schedule

The Union Cabinet has given approval inclusion of certain areas in Rajasthan under Fifth Schedule to Constitution so that tribals living there can avail benefit of protective measures under its provisions. The areas to be included comprises three complete districts Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, nine tehsils, one block and 46 complete gram panchayats covering 227 villages in Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Pali and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan.

Key Facts

The Rajasthan Government had requested Centre for extension of Scheduled Areas in the State under Fifth Schedule to Constitution. On this request, Union Cabinet gave approval to declaration of Scheduled Areas in respect of Rajasthan under Fifth Schedule to Constitution by rescinding Constitution Order (CO) 114 dated 12th February 1981 and promulgation of new Constitution Order. The promulgation of new CO will ensure that Scheduled Tribes of Rajasthan will get benefits of protective measures available under Fifth Schedule of Constitution.No additional funds are required as to be expended on account of declaration of Scheduled Areas. This will be part of Tribal Sub-Plan (or Tribal Sub-Scheme) within existing schemes of Central and State Government for more focused attention in Scheduled Areas for effecting speedy development.

Background

As per paragraph 6(1) of the Fifth Schedule {Article 244(1)} in Constitution of India, the expression ‘Scheduled Areas’ means such areas as President of India may by order declare to be Scheduled Areas. In accordance with provisions of paragraph 6(2) of Fifth Schedule, President may at any time by order increase area of any Scheduled Area in State after consultation with Governor of that State and make fresh orders redefining the areas which are to be Scheduled Areas in consultation with Governor of concerned State.
The Scheduled Areas were first notified in 1950. Subsequently, Constitution Orders (CO) specifying Scheduled Areas in Rajasthan were issued in 1981.Due to re­organization and creation of new districts and changes in population of Scheduled Tribes as per 2011 Census, Rajasthan Government has requested for extension of Scheduled Areas in the state.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2018