The correct answer is: a) Tribal areas in Northeast India.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India provides for special provisions with respect to the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. It aims to protect the autonomy of these areas and to promote the welfare of the tribal people living there.
The Sixth Schedule provides for a number of measures to achieve these objectives, including the establishment of autonomous district councils, the recognition of customary law and the appointment of special officers to protect the interests of the tribal people.
The Sixth Schedule has been in operation since 1952 and has been successful in protecting the autonomy of the tribal areas and promoting the welfare of the tribal people. However, there have been some criticisms of the Sixth Schedule, including the argument that it has led to the isolation of the tribal people from the mainstream of Indian society.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Option b) is incorrect because the Sixth Schedule does not specifically mention religious minorities. However, the Constitution of India does provide for special provisions for the protection of religious minorities, such as the right to freedom of religion and the right to establish and maintain educational institutions.
- Option c) is incorrect because the Sixth Schedule does not specifically mention linguistic minorities. However, the Constitution of India does provide for special provisions for the protection of linguistic minorities, such as the right to use their language in government and educational institutions.
- Option d) is incorrect because the Sixth Schedule does not specifically mention states with special status. However, the Constitution of India does provide for special provisions for certain states, such as Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland.