Constitution of India · Part XVI: Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes · Reservation of seats and special representation to cease after
Article 339: Control of the Union over the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes
In plain words
The President can at any time, and had to after ten years from the start of the Constitution, appoint a Commission to report on the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in the States. The Union can direct a State to draw up and carry out schemes essential for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes there.
A simplified explanation, prepared with AI assistance from the official text below and checked automatically against it for numbers and cross-references. The official text is the law and prevails over this summary. Not legal advice.
Official text
(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.
Source: India Code (Legislative Department), the official text of the Constitution of India. As amended up to the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023. Text as on 10 September 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.