Part XVI - Special Provisions for Certain Classes • Article

Article 339 Simplified: Control of the Union over the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes

Article 339 deals with control of the union over the administration of scheduled areas and the welfare of scheduled tribes. It protects or identifies Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Areas, or tribal welfare within the constitutional system.

Official Text

(1) The President may at any time and shall, at the expiration of ten years from the commencement of this Constitution by order appoint a Commission to report on the administration of the Scheduled Areas and the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in the States ***. The order may define the composition, powers and procedure of the Commission and may contain such incidental or ancillary provisions as the President may consider necessary or desirable. (2) The executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of directions to [a State] as to the drawing up and execution of schemes specified in the direction to be essential for the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in the State.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This rule says that the Central Government can tell state governments exactly what they must do to take care of tribal communities, like building schools or protecting their forests, and the states must do it.

Student Mode

Enables the Central Government to exercise administrative control over Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. Under Clause (1), the President must appoint a commission to report on these matters (which occurred with the Dhebar Commission in 1960 and the Dilip Singh Bhuria Commission in 2002). Under Clause (2), the Union's executive power extends to giving binding directions to states regarding schemes essential for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.

Example

When the government must identify a Scheduled Tribe list, consider claims of SC/ST candidates in services, or review administration of Scheduled Areas, Article 339 provides the constitutional basis.

Key Takeaway

Article 339 supports constitutional protection, recognition, and welfare of historically disadvantaged communities.

FAQs

What are Scheduled Areas and who designates them?

Scheduled Areas are tribal-dominated areas notified by the President of India under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. They receive special administrative protection to preserve tribal culture and prevent exploitation.

Are executive directions issued under Article 339(2) binding on states?

Yes. Directions issued by the Union to a State regarding the drawing up and execution of tribal welfare schemes are constitutionally binding under Article 339(2).

Quiz

Under Article 339(2), the executive power of the Union extends to giving directions to a State regarding:

Answer: Schemes essential for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes

Which schedule of the Constitution deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas?

Answer: Fifth Schedule