Rajasthan Tribes & Scheduled Areas form a crucial part of Rajasthan Polity, Social Justice, and Tribal Governance for RAS 2026. Understanding Fifth Schedule provisions, PESA Act, FRA 2006, and Tribal Sub-Plan is essential for high-scoring Prelims and Mains answers.

Rajasthan Tribes & Scheduled Areas form a core component of Rajasthan Polity, Social Justice, Tribal Administration, Governance, and Inclusive Development topics for RPSC RAS Prelims, Mains, and Interview 2026. Rajasthan has a large concentration of Scheduled Tribes (ST), with most of them being located in the southern and southeastern districts, which fall under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The tribal demography, constitutional protections, administration of Scheduled Areas, implementation of the PESA Act, the concept of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), the Forest Rights Act (FRA), and the challenges in tribal development are the main factors that should be understood in preparation specific to Rajasthan.

There are three major tribes in India, but among the states that are significant in respect to tribalism, Rajasthan has the largest population,n numbering about 13.48% of the total population, according to Census 2011. The tribal belt will run through the southern districts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. This is also known as the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Area in Rajasthan. For RAS 2026, this topic is highly relevant.

• Rajasthan Polity & Governance
• Social Justice & Welfare Administration
• Decentralization & Panchayati Raj
• Inclusive Growth & Tribal Development
• Constitutional Provisions (Fifth Schedule)

1. Tribal Demography of Rajasthan

The Scheduled Tribe population of Rajasthan is very high, with most of the population being found in the southern and southeastern parts of the state. These tribal societies constitute a significant element of the social system, cultural heritage, and the rural economy of Rajasthan. Knowledge of tribal distribution, demographic trends, and socio-economic features is necessary regarding Rajasthan-specific polity, governance, and social justice issues in competition tests.

Major Scheduled Tribes in Rajasthan

Scheduled Tribes in Rajasthan are notified under Article 342 of the Constitution of India. The following are the major tribal communities along with their regional concentration and defining features:

Tribe	Region of Concentration	Key Characteristics
Bhil	Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh	Largest tribe; forest-based and rain-fed agriculture livelihood
Meena	Eastern Rajasthan (Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli)	Agrarian base; significant socio-political presence
Garasia	Sirohi, Udaipur	Pastoral-agricultural economy; distinct customary practices
Sahariya	Baran district (Kishanganj & Shahbad)	Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
Damor	Southern Rajasthan	Marginal farming and seasonal wage labour

Key Examination-Oriented Facts

• The Bhil tribe is the largest Scheduled Tribe in Rajasthan and dominates the southern tribal belt.
• The Sahariya tribe is officially recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) due to socio-economic backwardness and high vulnerability.
• Tribal concentration is highest in districts falling under the Fifth Schedule Areas of Rajasthan.

Important Concepts for Preparation

• Scheduled Tribes under Article 342
• Tribal population distribution in Rajasthan
• PVTG classification and vulnerability indicators
• Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas
• Socio-economic profile of the southern tribal belt

2. Scheduled Areas in Rajasthan (Fifth Schedule Framework)

Scheduled Areas in Rajasthan are constitutionally protected tribal regions identified for special administrative safeguards and development interventions. They are announced in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India and are intended to secure land rights of the tribes, their culture, traditional ways, and socio-economic interests. Learning Scheduled Areas is a must when discussing such things as tribal governance, provisions that are made by the constitution, decentralization, and social justice.

Constitutional Basis of Scheduled Areas

Scheduled Areas are declared under:

• Article 244(1) – Administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas
• Fifth Schedule – Special governance provisions for Scheduled Areas

These provisions enable the Governor and the Union Government to protect the legislation, stop the alienation of the land, and enhance the welfare of the tribes.

Scheduled Areas of Rajasthan

As per Presidential Orders (including subsequent amendments), the following regions are classified as Scheduled Areas in Rajasthan:

Entire Districts:

• Banswara
• Dungarpur
• Pratapgarh
• Udaipur

Specific Areas:

• Abu Road Tehsil (Sirohi district)
• Kishanganj and Shahbad Tehsils (Baran district)

Such areas are included in the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) system, and thus special attention is given tothe allocation of funds and development programs to Scheduled Tribes.

Constitutional Framework for Scheduled Areas

Provision	Purpose
Article 244(1)	Administration of Scheduled Areas
Fifth Schedule	Special governance and regulatory framework
Article 275(1)	Grants-in-aid from the Union to the States for tribal welfare
Article 339	Union oversight of tribal administration
Article 342	Specification of Scheduled Tribes

Governance Significance

• The governor has special powers to modify or suspend state laws in Scheduled Areas.
• Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) is constituted to advise on tribal welfare matters.
• Focus on preventing land alienation and exploitation of tribal communities.
• Development planning aligned with Tribal Sub-Plan priorities.

3. Governance Structure in Scheduled Areas

The politics of the Scheduled Areas of Rajasthan is made based on the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution to provide protection of tribal land, culture, and socio-economic rights. It offers special administration safeguards using discretionary powers of the Governor and the tribal Advisory Council (TAC) to retain the tribal-based development policies as constitutional and safe.

Role of the Governor (Fifth Schedule Powers)

Under the Fifth Schedule, the Governor holds special authority in Scheduled Areas:

• Can modify or restrict the application of state laws in Scheduled Areas.
• Can issue regulations for peace and good governance.
• Can prohibit or regulate the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
• Can regulate money-lending activities to prevent tribal exploitation.
• Submits annual reports to the President regarding the administration of the Scheduled Areas.

These powers ensure land protection, prevention of exploitation, and preservation of tribal autonomy.

Tribal Advisory Council (TAC)

The Tribal Advisory Council is a constitutional body established in states having Scheduled Areas.

Key Features:

• Advises the Governor on matters related to the welfare and advancement of Scheduled Tribes.
• The majority of members must be Scheduled Tribe MLAs from the State Legislative Assembly.
• Focuses on development planning, tribal rights protection, and policy implementation.

The TAC acts as a consultative bridge between tribal communities and state governance mechanisms.

4. PESA Act, 1996 in Rajasthan

The Panchayats ( Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) is a historic law that produces self-government in the tribal environments situated under the Fifth Schedule. The Scheduled Areas of Rajasthan under PESA enhance the power of Gram Sabha, safeguard the traditional tribal culture, and participatory democracy. Of high importance are questions of decentralization, tribal autonomy, and grassroots governance.

Key Features of PESA

• Gram Sabha is the central authority in decision-making
• Mandatory consultation before land acquisition and rehabilitation
• Ownership rights over minor forest produce (MFP)
• Protection of customary laws and traditional dispute resolution systems
• Prevention of land alienation in tribal areas
• Control over local resources and village-level planning

Mains Perspective

• Grassroots democracy model
• Decentralization of power
• Participatory governance
• Tribal self-rule framework

PESA reflects the constitutional vision of empowering tribal communities through democratic decentralization.

5. Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) in Rajasthan

The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) is a special development plan that makes sure budgetary allocation of Scheduled Tribes is proportionate to their population. TSP is functional in Scheduled Areas, primarily in Rajasthan, where it is aimed at narrowing down regional and socio-economic disparities.

Focus Areas Under TSP

Sector	Intervention
Education	Ashram schools, hostels, and scholarships
Health	Tribal health centers, maternal care
Livelihood	Skill development, self-employment schemes
Infrastructure	Roads, irrigation, and electrification
Social Security	Pensions, financial inclusion

Analytical Dimensions

• Area-based development approach
• Targeted welfare allocation
• Inclusive budgeting model
• Reducing the tribal development gap

TSP is frequently linked with inclusive growth, welfare state principles, and social justice in Mains answers.

6. Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

The Recognition of Forest Rights ( Schedule Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers ) Act, 2006, in recognition of historical injustices towards the forest-living communities. The tribal belt of Rajasthan is acutely in need of the FRA to get their right to tenure of land, livelihood security, and community resources.

Rights Recognized Under FRA

• Individual forest land rights
• Community forest resource rights
• Grazing and traditional usage rights
• Minor forest produce ownership
• Habitat rights for vulnerable groups

Analytical Importance

• Forest governance reform
• Land rights protection
• Environmental justice
• Tribal livelihood security

FRA has linked the sustainability of the environment with social equity, making it a highly interesting subject to RAS Mains.

7. Socio-Economic Issues in Tribal Areas

Tribal regions in Rajasthan still have developmental problems despite the constitutional protection and special schemes. These problems need to be addressed by balancing welfare issues and sustainable development strategies.

Major Issues

• High poverty levels
• Malnutrition (notably among the Sahariya tribe)
• Land alienation and displacement
• Seasonal migration
• Low literacy rates
• Limited irrigation access
• Healthcare infrastructure gaps

Tribal Economy in Rajasthan

Tribal livelihoods largely depend on:

• Rain-fed agriculture
• Animal husbandry
• Collection of forest produce
• Wage labour
• Seasonal migration

Climate Vulnerability

The southern tribal belt faces:

• Rainfall variability
• Soil erosion
• Drought risks
• Reduced agricultural productivity

These factors increase livelihood insecurity and migration pressure.

8. Development vs Tribal Rights Debate

This is an analysis topic that has a high score in RAS Mains. The problem here is whether economic development and constitutional protection of tribal rights can be balanced.

Key Policy Tensions

Issue	Core Debate
Mining Projects	Economic growth vs tribal displacement
Forest Conservation	Ecological protection vs livelihood access
Infrastructure Projects	Development vs land alienation

Mains Answer Approach

• Provide a balanced analysis
• Mention Fthe ifth Schedule safeguards
• Refer to PESA & FRA provisions
• Emphasize suthe stainable development model
• Highlight inclusive governance

An organized response that involves the constitutional protection and economic development views is a good score.

RAS Exam Strategy – How to Prepare Rajasthan Tribes & Scheduled Areas

Rajasthan Tribes & Scheduled Areas is a high-weightage topic in RPSC RAS because it connects the Constitution (Fifth Schedule, Article 244, Article 342), governance reforms (PESA, FRA), social justice, and inclusive development. The questions may be in the form of factual MCQ in Prelims, 15-20 marker questions in Mains, and opinion-based discussion in the Interview. Preparation is to be stage-specific, concept-specific, and Rajasthan-specific.

For Prelims

Focus on:

• Scheduled Area districts of Rajasthan
• Fifth Schedule provisions
• PESA Act features
• Sahariya as PVTG
• Tribal Advisory Council structure

For Mains

Prepare analytical themes such as:

• Tribal self-governance model
• Role of Gram Sabha under PESA
• Implementation challenges of FRA
• Evaluation of Tribal Sub-Plan
• Inclusive growth and social justice

For Interview

Be ready to discuss:

• Current tribal development issues in Rajasthan
• Malnutrition concerns among vulnerable tribes
• Decentralization and empowerment
• Climate vulnerability in tribal belt
• Development vs rights debate

Analytical Themes for High-Scoring Answers

This subject scores high on RAS Mains when you are past description and are writing answers based on the analytical framework. You do not need to merely enumerate the provisions of the constitution or just schemes; base your answer on principles of governance, social justice theory, decentralization, and sustainable development models. Explaining the answer in transparent conceptual frameworks makes the answer mature, balanced, and policy-oriented.

Key Frameworks to Use:

Constitutional Morality & Tribal Rights

• Link the Fifth Schedule, PESA Act, and FRA with the protection of land, culture, and autonomy.

Welfare State & Social Justice

• Use Tribal Sub-Plan, education, health, and livelihood schemes to show inclusive growth.

Decentralization & Grassroots Democracy

• Highlight the role of Gram Sabha and tribal self-governance under PESA.

Sustainable Development Model

• Balance development projects with environmental protection and tribal rights.

Conclusion

Rajasthan Tribes & Scheduled Areas represent a critical intersection of constitutional governance, social justice, decentralization, and inclusive development. The Fifth Schedule framework, PESA Act, Tribal Sub-Plan, and Forest Rights Act are all meant to defend the identity of the tribes, their land, and self-governance, and enhance social-economic development.

In the case of RAS 2026 aspirants, this subject topic makes preparation in the field of Rajasthan Polity, Governance, Social Justice, and Rural Development stronger. Analytical knowledge, as opposed to memorization, is the key to scoring a high mark in Prelims and Mains.

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