Under the Fifth Schedule, which power is granted to the Governor regarding Scheduled Areas?

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (b) Power to regulate land, forests and social customs in Scheduled Areas
Explanation:
· The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than those in the Northeast.
· It empowers the Governor of the State to make regulations to prohibit or restrict transfer of land from tribal to non-tribal persons, regulate moneylending and control social customs to protect tribal interests.
· The Governor also has the duty to submit reports to the President regarding the welfare measures and administration in such areas.
· The Fifth Schedule provides safeguards and special administrative mechanisms to protect tribal rights and interests.
Information Booster:
· A mandatory Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) must be set up under the Fifth Schedule to advise on tribal welfare and administration.
· Sixth Schedule, by contrast, provides for Autonomous District Councils in certain Northeastern states.
Additional Knowledge:
· The Governor’s special powers are intended to balance protection of tribal culture and rights with development, and in practice they have been invoked in varied ways across states.