Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule: I. The State Government loses its executive power in such areas and a local body assumes total administration. II. The Union Government can take over the total administration of such areas under certain circumstances on the recommendations of the Governor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Statement I: Incorrect. Declaration of a Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule does not take away the State’s executive power or transfer total administration to a local body; the State continues to administer it, subject to special provisions and the Governor’s powers.

Statement II: Incorrect. The Fifth Schedule does not provide for the Union Government taking over total administration of Scheduled Areas on the Governor’s recommendation. The Governor submits reports to the President, and the Union can give directions, but not assume total administration under this Schedule.

Therefore, neither I nor II is correct.