Who, as per the provisions of the Constitution, declares an area as a Scheduled Area ?

Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: (B) President of India

• Under the provisions of the Indian Constitution—specifically under the Fifth Schedule(Article 244(1))—the power to declare an area as a Scheduled Area is vested in the President of India. This designation is intended to protect the cultural, social, and economic interests of tribal populations residing in these areas.
• The President makes such a declaration based on recommendations and criteria laid out in the Constitution. Neither the Prime Minister, the Governor, nor the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly possesses this constitutional authority.

Scheduled Areas in Odisha

• Odisha has significant Scheduled Areas, primarily concentrated in the tribal-dominated districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Gajapati, and parts of several other districts. These areas have substantial tribal populations and are administered under the provisions of the Fifth Schedule.