What is Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (Autonomous Districts)?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Applies to four North-Eastern states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
- 2.
Provides for the creation of Autonomous Districts and, in some cases, Autonomous Regions within these states.
- 3.
Each Autonomous District has a District Council, and each Autonomous Region has a Regional Council, consisting of not more than 30 members, of whom not more than four are nominated by the Governor and the rest are elected.
- 4.
These councils have legislative, executive, and judicial powers over specific subjects like land, forest, canal water, shifting cultivation, village administration, inheritance of property, marriage, social customs.
- 5.
They can establish village courts for trials of cases involving tribal members, with the High Court having jurisdiction over these courts.
- 6.
They have powers to assess and collect land revenue and certain other taxes, and to regulate money lending and trading by non-tribals.
- 7.
The Governor has significant powers regarding the administration of these areas, including the power to dissolve councils and approve laws passed by them.
- 8.
Acts of Parliament or State Legislature may or may not apply to these areas, or apply with modifications, as specified by the Governor.
- 9.
The news mentions the 'Assam Maintenance of Public Order (Autonomous District) Act 1953', which is a specific state act tailored for these autonomous districts, demonstrating the special legislative framework.
Visual Insights
Sixth Schedule Areas in North-East India
This map visually represents the four North-Eastern states covered by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution – Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (AMTM). It highlights the specific autonomous districts mentioned in the news within Assam, providing geographical context to the special administrative arrangements.
- 📍Assam — Sixth Schedule State (Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao)
- 📍Meghalaya — Sixth Schedule State
- 📍Tripura — Sixth Schedule State
- 📍Mizoram — Sixth Schedule State
Sixth Schedule: Structure & Powers of Autonomous Councils
This mind map details the administrative structure and powers of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils (RCs) established under the Sixth Schedule, highlighting their legislative, executive, and judicial functions, and the Governor's role.
Sixth Schedule of Constitution
- ●States Covered
- ●Administrative Structure
- ●Powers & Functions of Councils
- ●Governor's Role
- ●Recent Developments & Demands
Recent Developments
4 developmentsOngoing demands for inclusion of more areas/states under the Sixth Schedule (e.g., Ladakh, parts of Manipur) to protect tribal rights and ensure self-governance.
Demands for greater autonomy and financial powers for existing councils to enhance their effectiveness and address developmental disparities.
Challenges related to governance, development, and ethnic conflicts within these areas, often leading to calls for further constitutional amendments.
Proposals to amend the Sixth Schedule to enhance the financial and administrative powers of the Autonomous District Councils and Regional Councils.