2 minConstitutional Provision
Constitutional Provision

Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution क्या है?

A special constitutional provision under Article 244(2) and Article 275(1) that provides for the administration of tribal areas in the four North-Eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, through the establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils.

ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

The Sixth Schedule was incorporated into the Constitution to protect the distinct cultural identity, land rights, and traditional practices of the tribal populations in these specific regions. It was designed to grant a significant degree of autonomy and self-governance to these communities, recognizing their unique socio-political structures and preventing their exploitation.

मुख्य प्रावधान

9 points
  • 1.

    Applicability: Applies to the tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These areas are designated as 'autonomous districts'.

  • 2.

    Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): Each autonomous district has an ADC, which is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal.

  • 3.

    Composition of ADCs: Consists of not more than 30 members, of whom not more than four are nominated by the Governor and the rest are elected on the basis of adult suffrage.

  • 4.

    Legislative Powers: ADCs have the power to make laws on a wide range of subjects, including allotment, occupation, or use of land (other than reserved forests), management of any forest, use of any canal or watercourse, regulation of shifting cultivation, establishment of village or town committees, appointment or succession of chiefs or headmen, inheritance of property, marriage, and social customs.

  • 5.

    Judicial Powers: ADCs can constitute village councils or courts for the trial of suits and cases where both parties are Scheduled Tribes. Appeals lie to the High Court.

  • 6.

    Financial Powers: ADCs have powers to assess and collect land revenue, impose certain taxes (e.g., on professions, trades, animals, vehicles, entry of goods into market), and manage district funds.

  • 7.

    Governor's Role: The Governor has significant powers, including the power to dissolve an ADC, approve laws made by ADCs, and appoint a commission to examine and report on the administration of an autonomous district.

  • 8.

    Exclusion of Central/State Laws: Acts of Parliament or the State Legislature may not apply to autonomous districts or may apply with modifications, as specified by the Governor.

  • 9.

    Protection of Tribal Identity: The primary objective is to preserve the distinct identity, culture, and traditions of the tribal communities by allowing them self-governance and control over their resources.

दृश्य सामग्री

Sixth Schedule States & Demands for Extension (December 2025)

This map visually identifies the four Northeastern states currently under the Sixth Schedule and highlights other regions with ongoing demands for its extension, crucial for understanding tribal governance in India.

  • 📍Assam — Covered by Sixth Schedule (e.g., BTC, Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong ADCs)
  • 📍Meghalaya — Covered by Sixth Schedule (Garo, Jaintia, Khasi Hills ADCs)
  • 📍Tripura — Covered by Sixth Schedule (Tripura Tribal Areas ADC)
  • 📍Mizoram — Covered by Sixth Schedule (Chakma, Lai, Mara ADCs)
  • 📍Manipur (Hill Areas) — Demands for Sixth Schedule extension (e.g., Kuki-Zomi areas)
  • 📍Ladakh — Demands for Sixth Schedule extension (post Article 370 abrogation)
  • 📍Arunachal Pradesh — Demands for Sixth Schedule extension (parts of state)

Sixth Schedule: Structure, Powers & Relevance (December 2025)

This mind map illustrates the key features, administrative structure, and powers of the Sixth Schedule, along with its historical context and recent developments, vital for UPSC preparation.

Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution

  • Purpose & Background
  • States Covered (Article 244(2), 275(1))
  • Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)
  • Key Powers of ADCs
  • Governor's Role
  • Recent Developments & Debates

हालिया विकास

3 विकास

Demands for the extension of the Sixth Schedule to other tribal areas (e.g., Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh).

Debates on increasing the financial and administrative autonomy of existing ADCs.

The 2020 Bodo Accord further strengthened the Bodoland Territorial Council, which operates under the Sixth Schedule.

स्रोत विषय

Fresh Violence Erupts in Manipur Tribal Area, Two Killed

Polity & Governance

UPSC महत्व

Essential for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity, Federalism, Special Provisions for States, Tribal Administration, North-East India). Questions often focus on its provisions, differences from the Fifth Schedule, and its role in tribal governance.

Sixth Schedule States & Demands for Extension (December 2025)

This map visually identifies the four Northeastern states currently under the Sixth Schedule and highlights other regions with ongoing demands for its extension, crucial for understanding tribal governance in India.

Geographic Context

Map Type: india_states

📍 Key Regions:
AssamMeghalayaTripuraMizoramManipurLadakhArunachal Pradesh
Legend:
States/Regions covered by Sixth Schedule
Regions with demands for Sixth Schedule extension

Sixth Schedule: Structure, Powers & Relevance (December 2025)

This mind map illustrates the key features, administrative structure, and powers of the Sixth Schedule, along with its historical context and recent developments, vital for UPSC preparation.

Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution

Autonomy for tribal areas, protect identity

Bordoloi Committee (1947), Part of original Constitution

Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram (AMTM)

Elected body, some nominated members

Legislative, Executive, Financial, Judicial

Laws on Land, Forest, Shifting Cultivation, Customs

Collect land revenue, impose taxes, grants from state

Constitute/reconstitute ADCs, approve laws, dissolve ADCs

Demands for extension (Ladakh, Manipur, Arunachal)

Financial autonomy, overlapping jurisdiction, corruption

125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2019 (lapsed)

Connections
Purpose & BackgroundAutonomous District Councils (ADCs)
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)Key Powers of ADCs
Governor's RoleAutonomous District Councils (ADCs)
Recent Developments & DebatesPurpose & Background