Mizoram Opposes Extending Governor's Rule in Tribal Council

Mizoram government opposes extending Governor's Rule in Chakma Autonomous District Council.

Photo by Meghan Schiereck

The Mizoram government is against extending Governor’s Rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), citing assessments that the council is not facing political instability. The Mizoram Cabinet said there was no justification for extending Governor’s Rule, which was imposed on July 7, 2025.

The decision follows a reference from Governor Vijay Kumar Singh. Governor's Rule was imposed after the removal of BJP leader Molin Kumar Chakma from the post of Chief Executive Member, triggered by mass defections to the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM).

Key Facts

Mizoram opposes: Governor's Rule extension

Council: Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC)

Governor's Rule imposed: July 7, 2025

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Constitutional provisions related to tribal areas

GS Paper V: Northeast India - Issues and challenges in tribal areas

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, critical evaluation

Visual Insights

Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) Location

Shows the location of CADC within Mizoram, where Governor's Rule was imposed and is now being debated for extension.

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📍Mizoram

More Information

Background

The Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) was established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides for autonomous district councils in tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The Sixth Schedule aimed to protect the rights and customs of tribal communities, granting them a degree of self-governance. The creation of the CADC was a result of long-standing demands from the Chakma community for political autonomy and the preservation of their cultural identity.

Prior to the formation of the CADC, the Chakma community faced challenges in preserving their distinct identity and participating effectively in the political process. The Sixth Schedule provided a framework for addressing these concerns, leading to the establishment of the CADC in 1972.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there have been increasing demands for greater autonomy and devolution of powers to the autonomous district councils in the Northeast. Several committees and commissions have been formed to review the functioning of these councils and recommend measures for strengthening them. The focus has been on enhancing their financial resources, administrative capacity, and legislative powers.

There is also a growing emphasis on promoting inclusive governance and ensuring the participation of all communities in the decision-making processes of the councils. Furthermore, the issue of Governor's Rule in autonomous councils has been a subject of debate, with concerns raised about its impact on the autonomy and democratic functioning of these bodies. The trend is towards empowering these councils to manage their affairs effectively and address the developmental needs of their respective areas.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution: 1. It provides for the establishment of Autonomous District Councils in all states with a significant tribal population. 2. The Governor of the state has the power to dissolve a District Council on the recommendation of the state government. 3. The Sixth Schedule applies to all North-Eastern states of India. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Sixth Schedule applies only to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Governor can dissolve the council on their own discretion, not just on the recommendation of the state government. Statement 3 is incorrect because it doesn't apply to all North-Eastern states.

2. In the context of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in India, which of the following statements is correct? A) ADCs are established only in states with a majority tribal population. B) The Governor of the state has no role in the administration of ADCs. C) ADCs have the power to make laws on subjects like land, forests, and education with the assent of the Governor. D) All members of ADCs are nominated by the Governor.

A.ADCs are established only in states with a majority tribal population.
B.The Governor of the state has no role in the administration of ADCs.
C.ADCs have the power to make laws on subjects like land, forests, and education with the assent of the Governor.
D.All members of ADCs are nominated by the Governor.

Show Answer

Answer: C

ADCs have the power to make laws on subjects like land, forests, and education with the assent of the Governor. Other options are incorrect as ADCs can be established even if tribal population is not a majority, the Governor has a role, and not all members are nominated.

3. Which of the following statements best describes the rationale behind the establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in India? A) To promote rapid industrialization in tribal areas. B) To assimilate tribal populations into the mainstream society. C) To protect the cultural identity and promote self-governance of tribal communities. D) To facilitate the exploitation of natural resources in tribal areas.

A.To promote rapid industrialization in tribal areas.
B.To assimilate tribal populations into the mainstream society.
C.To protect the cultural identity and promote self-governance of tribal communities.
D.To facilitate the exploitation of natural resources in tribal areas.

Show Answer

Answer: C

The primary rationale behind ADCs is to protect the cultural identity and promote self-governance of tribal communities. Other options are contrary to the objectives of ADCs.