Which article of the Indian Constitution enables the government to enact separate laws for the governance and administration of tribal areas?

Correct answer: (a) Article 244

Explanation

Article 244 deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas:

• the Fifth Schedule applies to Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in the states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram;
• the Sixth Schedule applies to the tribal areas of those four north-eastern states, with autonomous district councils.

This lets special laws and rules be applied to these areas. Article 243 defines terms for Panchayats, Article 245 sets the extent of laws made by Parliament and the states, and Article 249 lets Parliament legislate on a State subject in the national interest.