MCQs Based On Political Science- (93)

Correct Option: 3. Governor.
Explanation: The Governor of the state must submit an annual or as-required report to the President on the administration of Scheduled Areas.

Correct Option: 4. Dhebar Commission.
Explanation: The Dhebar Commission was set up in 1960 and submitted its report in 1961 on the welfare and administration of Scheduled Areas.
Dhebar Commission (1960)
📌 Full Name:
Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission (First Commission) Popularly known as the Dhebar Commission, named after its chairman U.N. Dhebar.
🧠 Background and Purpose:
-Established under Article 339(1) of the Constitution of India.
-Mandated by the Fifth Schedule, which requires the President to appoint a commission to report on:
-The administration of Scheduled Areas
-The welfare of Scheduled Tribes
-This must be done within 10 years of the commencement of the Constitution.
Major Objectives:
-Assess the working of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes.
Examine:
-Economic development
-Social and educational status
-Administrative effectiveness
-Make recommendations for better governance, development, and protection of tribal communities and their lands.
📌 Key Findings:
-Lack of proper implementation of protective laws and constitutional provisions.
-Land alienation of tribals due to moneylenders and non-tribal encroachment.
-Poor health, education, and employment indicators among tribal populations.
-Inadequate functioning of Tribes Advisory Councils (TACs).
-Need for greater financial and administrative autonomy in tribal areas.
-Stressed development without cultural erosion.
📢 Major Recommendations:
-Stronger land protection laws to prevent alienation from tribals.
-Effective control over moneylending and exploitation by outsiders.
-Revitalization of Tribes Advisory Councils (TACs) to play a more active role.
-Emphasis on integrated tribal development programs (ITDPs).
-Need for tribal-centric planning and administration.
-Suggested greater involvement of tribals in decision-making processes.
🌟 Impact:
-Served as a foundational report for tribal policy development in India.
-Influenced the establishment of Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs).
-Provided a basis for further legal and constitutional reforms.
-The findings highlighted the need for focused and inclusive development for tribal communities.
🧩 Related Developments:
The second such commission was appointed only in 2002, headed by Dilip Singh Bhuria (Bhuria Commission), showing a large gap in periodic assessments.
✅ Summary:
The Dhebar Commission (1960–61) was the first major governmental effort to evaluate the condition of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Areas after independence. Its findings highlighted deep socio-economic disparities and called for stronger protections, community empowerment, and tribal-centric governance.
It remains a cornerstone in shaping tribal welfare policies and constitutional debates on Scheduled Areas.

Correct Option: 2. Article 244A.
Explanation: Article 244A enables the formation of an autonomous state within Assam’s tribal areas, along with a local legislature and council of ministers.

Correct Option: 4. 30.
Explanation: Each District Council has 30 members – 26 elected by adult franchise and 4 nominated by the Governor.

Correct Option: 3. Bodoland Territorial Areas District.
Explanation: The 2003 Amendment to the Sixth Schedule recognized Bodoland Territorial Areas District and created the Bodoland Territorial Council to meet Bodo aspirations.