Article 244 framework governs scheduled areas, Centre emphasises state-level implementation

The Union government on Monday reiterated that the administration of Scheduled Areas across states is anchored in Article 244 of the Constitution of India, describing it as a key constitutional mechanism for safeguarding tribal rights and enabling self-governance.

Responding in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey said Article 244, read with the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India, provides a distinct governance model tailored to the needs of Scheduled Tribes in designated regions. The framework ensures protection of tribal communities by recognising their unique socio-cultural context and promoting decentralised governance.

He noted that a central feature of the Fifth Schedule is the authority vested in Governors of states with Scheduled Areas. Governors are empowered to frame regulations for ensuring peace and good governance, including matters related to local administration, and can adapt or modify laws to suit the specific requirements of tribal regions. Decisions taken in this regard are formally notified and maintained by the respective state governments, with records preserved at the state level.

The Minister also highlighted the role of Tribes Advisory Councils (TACs), constituted to guide policy on tribal welfare and development. These councils advise state governments on issues concerning Scheduled Tribes, with their composition and functioning determined by individual states in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The Union government has been encouraging states to strengthen institutional mechanisms, particularly the effective functioning of TACs, to ensure better welfare planning and implementation. It emphasised that while Article 244 and the Fifth Schedule provide a robust framework, their real impact depends on efficient execution at the state level to translate constitutional safeguards into tangible benefits for tribal communities.