Constitutional provisions under the Fifth Schedule aim to protect:

The correct answer is: d) All of the above

The Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India provides for special provisions with respect to the administration of tribal areas. These provisions aim to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and to promote their welfare.

Some of the key provisions of the Fifth Schedule include:

• The appointment of a Tribes Advisory Council to advise the Governor on matters relating to STs.
• The creation of autonomous districts and regions with a substantial tribal population.
• The regulation of money lending and other forms of exploitation of STs.
• The protection of STs’ land rights and cultural and religious practices.

The Fifth Schedule has been instrumental in protecting the interests of STs and promoting their welfare. However, there have been some criticisms of the Schedule, including that it is paternalistic and that it does not go far enough to protect STs’ rights.

Despite these criticisms, the Fifth Schedule remains an important tool for protecting the interests of STs in India.