2019 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2019 · GS Paper I

Question 50: Polity and Governance

Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?

aThird Schedule
bFifth Schedule
cNinth Schedule
dTwelfth Schedule

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

The Fifth Schedule governs the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, and it lets the Governor regulate the transfer of tribal land. In the Samatha case (1997) the Supreme Court held that transfer of tribal land in Scheduled Areas to private parties for mining is null and void.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) The Third Schedule contains oaths and affirmations.
  • (b) Correct: the Fifth Schedule protects tribal land in Scheduled Areas.
  • (c) The Ninth Schedule protects certain laws from review, and has no role in this.
  • (d) The Twelfth Schedule lists municipal functions.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.