UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 59

Correct answer: Option A. The Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution provide special arrangements for administration and protection of Scheduled Areas and tribal areas. They seek to safeguard tribal interests and allow distinctive administrative mechanisms. They are not provisions for determining inter-state boundaries or primarily for Panchayati Raj institutions. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option B: “determine the boundaries between States” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “protect the interests of all the border States” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.