Sixth Schedule

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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

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