Background of Sixth Schedule
Sixth Schedule and Tribal Administration Challenges: The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is designed to provide special administrative provisions for tribal areas in northeast India. It primarily covers Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Its core objective is to safeguard the rights, culture, and development of tribal communities in these states.
Static GK fact: The Sixth Schedule was added to the Constitution in 1950, focusing on autonomy and self-governance for tribal regions.
Constitutional Provisions
Under Article 244(2) and Article 275(1), the Governor of a state can create Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs). These bodies are empowered to manage local governance while preserving tribal customs and traditions.
Static GK Tip: ADCs have been instrumental in administering areas with a dominant tribal population, balancing local autonomy with state oversight.
Role of ADCs and ARCs
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) manage districts with a majority of a single tribal community. They have legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers in areas such as land ownership, forest management, inheritance of property, and marriage customs.
Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs) are established in districts with multiple Scheduled Tribes. ARCs coordinate among different tribal groups while ensuring equitable resource allocation and governance.
Static GK fact: As of 2025, there are 10 ADCs across the northeast, including in Meghalaya and Mizoram, reflecting the region’s tribal diversity.
Recent Developments in Ladakh
In the Union Territory of Ladakh, protests demanding statehood and recognition under the Sixth Schedule have recently turned violent. Local tribal groups argue that recognition under Sixth Schedule would provide greater control over land, forest resources, and cultural practices.
Authorities have highlighted challenges in extending Sixth Schedule provisions beyond northeastern states. The debate also reflects broader concerns of political representation, resource management, and preservation of tribal identity.
Static GK Tip: Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, leading to demands for increased autonomy among local communities.
Importance of Sixth Schedule
The Sixth Schedule is critical in ensuring self-governance for tribal populations. It allows tribal communities to manage local resources, settle disputes, and maintain social and cultural institutions. By granting legislative and judicial powers, it reduces dependency on state governments and strengthens local democracy.
Static GK fact: Autonomous councils can levy taxes on land and forest produce to finance developmental activities.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Sixth Schedule and Tribal Administration Challenges:
| Topic | Detail |
| Sixth Schedule | Special provisions for tribal areas under Article 244(2) and 275(1) |
| Coverage | Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram |
| Councils | ADCs and ARCs |
| Powers | Legislative, executive, judicial, financial on land, forests, inheritance, marriage |
| ARCs | Established for multiple Scheduled Tribes in a district |
| Recent Issue | Protests in Ladakh demanding Sixth Schedule recognition and statehood |
| UT Status | Ladakh became Union Territory in 2019 |
| Number of ADCs | 10 ADCs in northeastern states |
| Objective | Protect tribal rights and ensure self-governance |
| Importance | Promotes local autonomy, resource management, and cultural preservation |
