Q10. Which Schedule contains provisions for administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes?
[UP Police Sub-Inspector 2017, 19 December, Shift 3]
(A) Fourth Schedule
(B) Sixth Schedule
(C) Eighth Schedule
(D) Fifth Schedule
Answer: (D) Fifth Schedule
Explanation: The Fifth Schedule is devoted to special governance and safeguards for Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. The Sixth Schedule separately concerns certain northeastern tribal areas, whereas the Fourth and Eighth concern Rajya Sabha seats and languages.
Q9. How many Union Territories did India have as of June 2017?
[SSC CGL 2017, 18 August, Shift 2]
(A) 7
(B) 6
(C) 5
(D) 4
Answer: (A) 7
Explanation: India had seven Union Territories in June 2017. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh became separate Union Territories in October 2019, and the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu in 2020 later produced eight.
Q8. What is the maximum number of members in a Tribes Advisory Council under the Fifth Schedule?
[APPSC Group II Prelims 2017, 11 June]
(A) Up to 10
(B) Up to 20
(C) Up to 25
(D) Up to 50
Answer: (B) Up to 20
Explanation: The Fifth Schedule permits a Tribes Advisory Council of not more than twenty members. As nearly as possible, three-fourths must be Scheduled Tribe representatives in the State Legislative Assembly, with special arrangements if enough such legislators are unavailable.
Q7. Which constitutional provision deals with Autonomous District Councils?
[UPSC CDS General Knowledge 2016, 14 February]
(A) Eighth Schedule
(B) Article 370
(C) Sixth Schedule
(D) Article 250
Answer: (C) Sixth Schedule
Explanation: Autonomous District Councils derive from the Sixth Schedule, which provides local institutional autonomy in specified northeastern tribal areas. The Eighth Schedule lists languages, Article 250 concerns emergency-related parliamentary lawmaking, and Article 370 historically concerned Jammu and Kashmir.
Q6. Which of the listed functions are powers of Zila Panchayats in Scheduled Areas under the applicable framework?
[CGPSC Prelims General Studies 2016]
(A) Planning concerning minor water bodies
(B) Control over institutions in social sectors
(C) Control over tribal sub-plans
(D) All of the above
Answer: (D) All of the above
Explanation: PESA-inspired state arrangements give local bodies in Scheduled Areas roles relating to minor water bodies, social institutions and tribal development planning. The exam groups these functions together. Their precise exercise also depends upon enabling state legislation.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT an objective of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2013, 26 May]
(A) Providing self-governance
(B) Recognising traditional rights
(C) Creating autonomous regions in tribal areas
(D) Protecting tribal people from exploitation
Answer: (C) Creating autonomous regions in tribal areas
Explanation: PESA extends modified Panchayat institutions and Gram Sabha authority to Fifth Schedule Areas. It recognises customary rights and promotes self-government; it does not create autonomous regions, which are a distinct governance feature associated with the Sixth Schedule.
Q4. Under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, who initiates the process for determining individual or community forest rights?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2013, 26 May]
(A) State Forest Department
(B) District Collector or Deputy Commissioner
(C) Tehsildar or Block Development Officer
(D) Gram Sabha
Answer: (D) Gram Sabha
Explanation: The Gram Sabha begins recognition of individual and community forest rights by receiving claims and initiating local verification. Recommendations proceed through sub-divisional and district committees, with final approval by the District Level Committee under the Forest Rights Act.
Q3. Which of these Union Territories has its own High Court?
[WBPSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2012 cycle, held 19 May 2013]
(A) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(B) Daman and Diu
(C) Delhi
(D) Lakshadweep
Answer: (C) Delhi
Explanation: The Delhi High Court was established in 1966 and exercises jurisdiction over the National Capital Territory. The listed other territories come under High Courts shared with states. The examination’s original options make Delhi the correct answer.
Q2. Which is the smallest Union Territory of India by geographical area?
[MPPSC General Studies 2013]
(A) Chandigarh
(B) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(C) Lakshadweep
(D) Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Answer: (C) Lakshadweep
Explanation: Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory by land area, comprising islands in the Arabian Sea with a combined area of about thirty-two square kilometres. The remaining options occupy substantially greater land areas.
Q1. Which Schedule contains special provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas in several Indian states?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2008]
(A) Third Schedule
(B) Fifth Schedule
(C) Seventh Schedule
(D) Ninth Schedule
Answer: (B) Fifth Schedule
Explanation: The Fifth Schedule, associated with Article 244(1), prescribes administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in specified states. The Sixth Schedule separately governs certain northeastern tribal areas; the Third, Seventh and Ninth Schedules address other subjects.
