Subject: Internal Security

The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas. The inadequate implementation of these provisions has contributed significantly to the growth of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India.

Impact of Non-Implementation of Fifth Schedule Provisions

Administrative Failures

• Weak implementation of PESA Act 1996 has undermined tribal autonomy, with only 8 states framing PESA rules while Odisha and Jharkhand still at draft stage.
• Ineffective functioning of Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) has led to poor representation of tribal interests in policy-making and implementation.
• Limited power delegation to Gram Sabhas has weakened local governance structures in scheduled areas.

Socio-Economic Impact

• Widespread tribal land alienation and displacement due to development projects without adequate compensation.
• Non-tribal occupation of scheduled areas has led to economic marginalization of tribal communities.
• Poor implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006 has restricted tribal access to traditional forest resources.

Security Implications

• The governance vacuum created by administrative failures has been exploited by Naxal groups to establish parallel administration.
• Despite allocation of ₹4350.78 crore under various schemes like SIS, SRE, and SCA, the root causes remain unaddressed.
• Lack of basic infrastructure and services has made tribal youth vulnerable to Maoist recruitment.

Development Challenges

• Ineffective implementation of Special Central Assistance (SCA) schemes has hindered development in tribal areas.
• Poor coordination between state and central agencies has affected the delivery of welfare schemes.
• Limited access to education and healthcare services has perpetuated social exclusion.

Way Forward

• Strengthening implementation of PESA provisions through capacity building of local institutions.
• Enhanced focus on participatory development through Gram Sabha empowerment.
• Integration of tribal welfare schemes with security measures for holistic development.

The non-implementation of Fifth Schedule provisions has created a complex web of governance, development, and security challenges. Addressing these through comprehensive implementation of constitutional safeguards is crucial for containing LWE and ensuring tribal welfare, as demonstrated by successful models in states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.