Part XVI · Special Provisions relating to Certain Classes
Article 339: Control of the Union over the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes
Text of Article 339
(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.
Words in [square brackets] were inserted or substituted by later amendments (see below). Source: Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India
A plain-English explanation of Article 339, landmark judgments and exam facts are being added to this page.
Amendment history
Changed by: 7th Amendment Act, 1956
- The words and letters for "specified in Part A or Part B of the First Schedule" omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, s. 29 and Sch. (w.e.f. 1-11-1956).
- Subs. by s. 29 and Sch. ibid. for "any such State" (w.e.f. 1-11-1956).
More in Part XVI: Special Provisions relating to Certain Classes · Constitution quiz