| Constitutional Basis | Article 244(1) | Article 244(2) and 275(1) |
| States Covered | 10 states (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh) | 4 states (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram) |
| Administration | President declares 'Scheduled Areas'. Governor has significant powers, advised by Tribes Advisory Council (TAC). | Autonomous Districts and Regions with Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils. |
| Autonomy Level | Less autonomy; State Legislature has power, but Governor can modify/prohibit laws. PESA Act 1996 extends Panchayat provisions. | Greater autonomy; ADCs have legislative, executive, and judicial powers over specified subjects (land, forest, water, customary law). |
| Legislative Powers | State Legislature laws apply, but Governor can make exceptions or modifications. TAC advises on tribal welfare. | ADCs can make laws on land, forest, shifting cultivation, village administration, inheritance, marriage, social customs, etc. |
| Judicial Powers | No separate judicial system; traditional village courts (Gram Sabhas under PESA) have limited powers. | ADCs can establish village courts for specific civil and criminal cases. |
| Financial Powers | State government funds; TAC advises on allocation. | ADCs can assess and collect land revenue, levy taxes, and receive grants from the Consolidated Fund of India. |
| Role of Governor/President | Governor has special responsibility for Scheduled Areas; submits annual report to President. | Governor plays a role in constituting ADCs, approving laws, and dissolving councils under certain conditions. |
