sixth schedule for 25 September 2025

Sixth Schedule Latest News

Recently, Ladakh witnessed one of its worst episodes of violence in decades over demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.

About the Sixth Schedule

• The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is a special provision that deals with the administration of tribal areas in the Northeast.
• It was framed on the recommendations of the Bordoloi Committee (Sub-Committee of the Constituent Assembly on the North-East Frontier (Assam) Tribal and Excluded Areas).
• The framers recognised the distinct cultural identity and vulnerability of the tribal population in these areas and thus provided for a system of autonomous governance.
• It came into effect along with the Constitution in 1950, under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
• Unlike the Fifth Schedule, which applies to other tribal areas of India, the Sixth Schedule provides greater autonomy through elected Autonomous Councils with legislative, judicial, and financial powers.
• These provisions are unique to the four Northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

 Provisions under the Sixth Schedule

• Article 244(2): Applies Sixth Schedule provisions to tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• Autonomous Districts & Regions: Tribal areas are administered as Autonomous Districts, which may be subdivided into Autonomous Regions by the Governor.
• Governor’s Powers: Can reorganise districts, alter boundaries, and rename autonomous areas.
• District & Regional Councils: Each Autonomous District has a District Council (up to 30 members, 4 nominated by the Governor, others elected by adult suffrage).
  • Regional Councils created for distinct tribal groups.
• Law-making Powers: Councils can legislate on land, forests (except reserved forests), inheritance, customary laws, and money-lending/trading by outsiders.
  • All such laws require the Governor’s assent.
• Administration of Justice: Councils can establish Village and District Council Courts for disputes where both parties are tribals.
  • Jurisdiction excludes serious crimes (punishable with death or imprisonment for over 5 years).
• Revenue & Resource Control: Councils can levy taxes, collect land revenue, and regulate mineral extraction.
• Local Administration: Councils manage primary schools, dispensaries, markets, roads, fisheries, transport, and waterways.
• Parliament/State Laws: Apply only with exceptions or modifications in these areas.
• Governor’s Commission: Can review and report on the administration of autonomous regions. 

Source: IE