The
Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of
tribal areas in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and
Mizoram. This special provision aims to protect the rights and autonomy of
indigenous tribal populations by establishing Autonomous District Councils
(ADCs) and Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs), granting them legislative,
executive, and judicial powers within their jurisdictions.
Key
Provisions of the Sixth Schedule:
Autonomous
Districts and Regions:
The
tribal areas in the specified states are designated as Autonomous
Districts. If multiple tribes inhabit a district, the Governor can divide
it into Autonomous Regions.
District
and Regional Councils:
Each
Autonomous District has a District Council consisting of up to 30
members: up to 26 elected and up to 4 nominated by the Governor. Members
serve five-year terms. Similarly, Autonomous Regions have Regional
Councils.
Legislative
Powers:
Councils
can legislate on subjects like land management, forest resources
(excluding reserved forests), water resources, agriculture, village
administration, public health, and inheritance laws, among others.
However, such laws require the Governor's assent to take effect.
Judicial
Powers:
Councils
can establish courts to adjudicate cases where both parties are Scheduled
Tribe members, provided the offenses are not punishable by more than five
years of imprisonment.
Financial
Powers:
Councils
are empowered to levy and collect taxes on lands, buildings, animals,
vehicles, professions, trades, and more. They can also receive grants
from the Consolidated Fund of India for development purposes.
States
and Autonomous Councils under the Sixth Schedule:
Assam:
Bodoland
Territorial Council
Karbi
Anglong Autonomous Council
North
Cachar Hills Autonomous Council
Meghalaya:
Garo
Hills Autonomous District Council
Jaintia
Hills Autonomous District Council
Khasi
Hills Autonomous District Council
Mizoram:
Chakma
Autonomous District Council
Lai
Autonomous District Council
Mara
Autonomous District Council
Tripura:
Tripura
Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council
The
Sixth Schedule ensures that tribal communities in these northeastern states can
preserve their distinct identities and traditions through self-governance. By
granting autonomy in administrative and legislative matters, the Schedule
empowers these communities to make decisions best suited to their
socio-cultural and economic contexts. This framework also aims to protect
tribal lands and resources from exploitation, ensuring sustainable development
and cultural preservation.
