2 minConstitutional Provision
Constitutional Provision

Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

What is Sixth Schedule of the Constitution?

The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states – Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram – by providing for Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs). Its primary objective is to protect the rights of tribal populations and preserve their distinct culture and identity through local self-governance.

Historical Background

The Sixth Schedule was incorporated into the Constitution based on the recommendations of the Bardoloi Committee, which was formed to address the unique administrative needs of tribal areas in Northeast India. It was designed to grant a degree of autonomy to these regions to safeguard their indigenous way of life and prevent exploitation.

Key Points

9 points
  • 1.

    Applies to the tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

  • 2.

    Provides for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs).

  • 3.

    ADCs have powers to make laws on subjects like land, forest management, shifting cultivation, village administration, inheritance, marriage, and social customs.

  • 4.

    They also have powers to constitute village councils or courts for the trial of cases between parties belonging to Scheduled Tribes.

  • 5.

    Financial autonomy is granted through the power to assess and collect land revenue and impose certain taxes.

  • 6.

    Acts of Parliament or state legislature may or may not apply to these autonomous districts and regions, or apply with modifications, as specified by the Governor.

  • 7.

    The Governor has significant powers regarding the formation, dissolution, and administration of ADCs and ARCs.

  • 8.

    Aims to ensure local self-governance, cultural preservation, and protection of tribal identity and resources.

  • 9.

    The demand for Ladakh's inclusion is to protect its unique culture and fragile ecosystem from external exploitation and ensure local control over resources.

Recent Developments

4 developments
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Strong demand for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule post-abrogation of Article 370 and reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories.

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Similar demands from other regions, including parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

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Ongoing debates about the effectiveness, potential reforms, and expansion of the Sixth Schedule to other tribal areas.

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The central government has engaged in discussions with Ladakh's representatives regarding their demands, including the Sixth Schedule.

This Concept in News

1 topics

Manipur MLA Valte sought probe into attack before death

23 Feb 2026

The news surrounding the death of Manipur MLA Vungzagin Valte and his prior plea for a separate administration throws light on the limitations and potential failures of the Sixth Schedule in fully addressing the aspirations of tribal communities. While the Sixth Schedule aims to provide autonomy and protect tribal rights, the events in Manipur suggest that these provisions may not always be sufficient to prevent conflict or ensure equitable treatment. The demand for a separate administration, despite the existence of ADCs, indicates a lack of confidence in the existing system's ability to safeguard tribal interests. This news challenges the assumption that the Sixth Schedule is a panacea for all tribal grievances and highlights the need for continuous evaluation and reform. It also underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting inclusive governance to ensure that tribal communities feel adequately represented and protected. Understanding the Sixth Schedule is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for the demands being made and the challenges being faced by tribal communities in the Northeast. It allows us to critically assess the effectiveness of existing constitutional provisions and consider alternative solutions for promoting tribal empowerment and social harmony.

Source Topic

Manipur MLA Valte sought probe into attack before death

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Crucial for UPSC GS Paper II (Polity & Governance - Federalism, Tribal Administration, Special Provisions for States). Frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains, especially concerning tribal rights, regional autonomy, and constitutional provisions for special areas.

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

Manipur MLA Valte sought probe into attack before death

23 February 2026

The news surrounding the death of Manipur MLA Vungzagin Valte and his prior plea for a separate administration throws light on the limitations and potential failures of the Sixth Schedule in fully addressing the aspirations of tribal communities. While the Sixth Schedule aims to provide autonomy and protect tribal rights, the events in Manipur suggest that these provisions may not always be sufficient to prevent conflict or ensure equitable treatment. The demand for a separate administration, despite the existence of ADCs, indicates a lack of confidence in the existing system's ability to safeguard tribal interests. This news challenges the assumption that the Sixth Schedule is a panacea for all tribal grievances and highlights the need for continuous evaluation and reform. It also underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting inclusive governance to ensure that tribal communities feel adequately represented and protected. Understanding the Sixth Schedule is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for the demands being made and the challenges being faced by tribal communities in the Northeast. It allows us to critically assess the effectiveness of existing constitutional provisions and consider alternative solutions for promoting tribal empowerment and social harmony.