What is Article 339 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 339: Control of the Union over the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes (1) The President may at any time and shall,
📅 Part XVI – Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes
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Article Number

339

part

Part XVI – Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes

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Active

Bare Acts Text

Article 339: Control of the Union over the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes

  • (1) The President may at any time and shall, at the expiration of ten years from the commencement of this Constitution by order appoint a Commission to report on the administration of the Scheduled Areas and the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in the States.
  • The order may define the composition, powers and procedure of the Commission and may contain such incidental or ancillary provisions as the President may consider necessary or desirable.
  • (2) The executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of directions to a State as to the drawing up and execution of schemes specified in the direction to be essential for the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in the State.
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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 339 of the Indian Constitution focuses on the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. It empowers the President of India to appoint a Commission to examine these matters. This Commission must be appointed every ten years and will report on how well the Scheduled Areas are governed and how effectively the welfare of Scheduled Tribes is being addressed. This article aims to ensure that the rights and needs of tribal communities are protected and promoted, considering their unique cultural and social contexts. The Commission’s composition, powers, and procedures are defined by the President’s order. This flexibility allows for tailored approaches that suit different states and their specific tribal populations. The article also gives the Union government the authority to issue directions to states for implementing schemes that benefit Scheduled Tribes. This means that if a state is not adequately meeting the needs of its tribal communities, the Union can step in to ensure that necessary services and welfare programs are executed. The real-world impact of Article 339 is profound. It seeks to protect tribal rights, promote their welfare, and ensure their voices are heard in governance. By enabling oversight and intervention, the Union can effectively address issues like land rights, education, and health care for these communities. This article underscores the commitment of the Indian Constitution to safeguard the interests of marginalized groups, ensuring that Scheduled Tribes are not left behind in national development efforts.

Historical Context

It empowers the President of India to appoint a Commission to examine these matters. This Commission must be appointed every ten years and will report on how well the Scheduled Areas are governed and how effectively the welfare of Scheduled Tribes is being addressed. This article aims to ensure that the rights and needs of tribal communities are protected and promoted, considering their unique cultural and social contexts. The Commission’s composition, powers, and procedures are defined by the President’s order.

Key Features

– The President can appoint a Commission to review Scheduled Areas every ten years.
– The Commission reports on the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in various states.
– The President defines the Commission’s composition and procedures through an order.
– Union can direct states to execute schemes for Scheduled Tribes’ welfare.
– Article 339 ensures tribal rights are prioritized in governance.

Importance & Impact

– The article helps protect the rights of tribal communities across India.
– It ensures accountability in the administration of Scheduled Areas
– The Commission’s reports guide government policies for tribal welfare
– Union interventions can enhance service delivery to Scheduled Tribes
– It promotes awareness of tribal issues at national and state levels.

Sample UPSC Question

Which of the following statements about Article 339 of the Indian Constitution is correct? A) It allows states to manage Scheduled Areas independently. B) The President can appoint a Commission to review tribal welfare. C) It is only applicable to Northern states of India. D) The Commission must report every five years. Choose the correct option.? Analyze these options carefully in light of the constitutional distribution of legislative and executive powers.

Answer

The correct answer is B. Article 339 empowers the President to appoint a Commission to review the administration of Scheduled Areas and ensure the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. Article 339 of the Indian Constitution focuses on the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 339 focuses on tribal welfare and administration.
✓ The President appoints a Commission every ten years.
✓ Union can direct states to improve tribal services.
✓ Reports guide government actions for Scheduled Tribes
✓ It emphasizes the rights of marginalized tribal communities.

FAQs

Article 339 of the Indian Constitution focuses on the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. It empowers the President of India to appoint a Commission to examine these matters. This Commission must be appointed every ten years and will report on how well the Scheduled Areas are governed and how effectively the welfare of Scheduled Tribes is being addressed.

The article also gives the Union government the authority to issue directions to states for implementing schemes that benefit Scheduled Tribes. This means that if a state is not adequately meeting the needs of its tribal communities, the Union can step in to ensure that necessary services and welfare programs are executed. The real-world impact of Article 339 is profound.

It seeks to protect tribal rights, promote their welfare, and ensure their voices are heard in governance. By enabling oversight and intervention, the Union can effectively address issues like land rights, education, and health care for these communities. This article underscores the commitment of the Indian Constitution to safeguard the interests of marginalized groups, ensuring that Scheduled Tribes are not left behind in national development efforts.

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