Home The Constitution Part XVI Article 339

Art. 339 Part XVI: Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes

Control of the Union Over the Administration of Scheduled Areas and the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes

Exact text — Constitution of India

(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...

(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.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article gives the Union government real oversight power over how states administer Scheduled Areas and look after Scheduled Tribe welfare — including the power to give binding directions to a state about welfare scheme implementation, backed by a periodic Presidential Commission to review how things are actually going on the ground.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why the central government retains meaningful oversight authority over tribal welfare administration even in matters that would otherwise fall within a state's own domain — a deliberate check to ensure tribal welfare doesn't get neglected at the state level.

Read alongside this one

Art. 244 — Administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 339

Can the Union force a state to implement a specific tribal welfare scheme?

Yes, in principle — this Article gives the Union's executive power the ability to direct a state on essential tribal welfare schemes, going beyond the Union's ordinary hands-off relationship with a state's internal administration.

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The text above reproduces Article 339 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.