Why in the news?

  • Protests erupt in Ladakh debanding the inclusion of the region into Sixth Schedule and for statehood.

Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

  • Constitutional Provisions: The Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)) provides for autonomous administrative arrangements in certain tribal areas of the North-East.
  • Aim:  It seeks to protect the distinct culture, customs, and governance practices of tribal communities while ensuring their integration within India.
  • Applicability:
    • States covered: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.
    • Tribal areas within these states are declared Autonomous Districts.
    • The Governor has the power to:
      • Increase or decrease the area of districts.
      • Create new districts or regions.
      • Alter boundaries.
  • Autonomous District Councils (ADCs):
    • Composition: 30 members (26 elected + 4 nominated by Governor).
    • Tenure: 5 years.
    • Regional Councils for smaller tribes.
    • Powers of District Councils:
      • Legislative: Laws on land, forests, agriculture, village administration, customs, marriage/divorce, inheritance. Require Governor’s assent.
      • Executive: Manage schools, markets, health centres, roads, ferries.
      • Judicial: Tribal courts for cases involving tribals.
      • Financial: Levy taxes on land, markets, professions, vehicles; get grants from Consolidated Fund of India.
    • Governor’s Discretion:
      • Can modify or annul acts of Parliament or State Legislature in Sixth Schedule areas.
      • Has power to assume control of administration in case of breakdown.
    • Significance:
      • Preserves tribal autonomy and traditional governance.
      • Balances integration with autonomy, reducing alienation.
      • Acts as a conflict-management mechanism in a sensitive region.
    • Challenges:
      • Demand for inclusion/exclusion: Some tribal groups outside Sixth Schedule (e.g., Arunachal, Manipur tribes) demand inclusion.
      • Conflict of jurisdiction: Overlaps between ADCs and state government powers create administrative friction.
      • Elite capture: Benefits often cornered by tribal elites rather than grassroots communities.
      • Governance deficits: Limited administrative and financial capacity reduces effectiveness.