Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

Context

• The Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)) contains special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the North-Eastern states.
• Its aim is to protect tribal autonomy, culture, and rights while ensuring self-governance.

Applicability

The Sixth Schedule applies to certain tribal areas in:

• Assam
• Meghalaya
• Tripura
• Mizoram

Key Features

1. Autonomous District Councils (ADCs):
   • Each tribal area is constituted as an Autonomous District.
   • ADCs can further divide districts into Autonomous Regions if multiple tribes exist.
2. Composition of Councils:
   • ADCs have up to 30 members:
     • 4 nominated by the Governor.
     • The rest elected on adult franchise.
   • Term: 5 years.
3. Legislative Powers:
   • ADCs can make laws on:
     • Land, forest (other than reserved forests).
     • Shifting cultivation.
     • Village administration.
     • Marriage and divorce, social customs, inheritance.
   • Such laws require Governor’s assent.
4. Judicial Powers:
   • ADCs can establish village courts to decide cases involving tribes.
5. Financial Powers:
   • Councils empowered to levy and collect taxes on:
     • Land and buildings.
     • Vehicles.
     • Entry of goods into markets.
     • Professions and trades.
6. Role of Governor:
   • Governor has wide powers:
     • Determining autonomous districts/regions.
     • Overruling council decisions if against public interest.
     • Dissolving councils in case of mismanagement.

Significance

• Protects tribal autonomy and traditional governance systems.
• Balances integration with autonomy—tribes govern their customs while remaining part of the Indian Union.
• Reduces alienation of tribal groups by granting self-rule.

Challenges

• Conflicts between Autonomous Councils and State Governments.
• Rising demand for more autonomy or statehood.
• Administrative inefficiency and corruption in some councils.
• Exclusion of certain tribes not covered under ADCs.

Comparison with Fifth Schedule

• Fifth Schedule → Applies to Scheduled Areas in rest of India (mainly Central & Southern India).
• Sixth Schedule → Applies only to tribal areas of North-East India.
• Fifth Schedule: Governor has stronger control; Sixth Schedule: More local self-governance via ADCs.