Gajendra Singh Godara
Aug 31, 2025
12
mins read
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India is a unique constitutional provision that safeguards the rights, culture, and autonomy of tribal communities in the Northeast.
Enshrined under Articles 244(2) and 275(1), the Sixth Schedule provides for self-governance through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils in four states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
These councils have legislative, executive, financial, and judicial powers, enabling tribal areas to manage land, forests, customs, and local governance independently. Unlike the Fifth Schedule, which applies to other tribal areas, the 6th Schedule offers greater autonomy, reflecting India’s model of asymmetric federalism.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is vital, as it is often linked to topics of tribal administration, federalism, and constitutional safeguards.
Read more about Constitution of India : Constitution of India for UPSC
Ladakh and the Demand for Sixth Schedule
Background:
After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh was carved out from Jammu & Kashmir.
Local activists, including Sonam Wangchuk, demanded Sixth Schedule status to safeguard Ladakh’s 97% tribal people, fragile environment, and culture.
Recent Developments:
In October 2024, protests and hunger strikes intensified, pushing the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to open talks.
Concerns include land alienation, loss of jobs, and erosion of tribal identity, similar to issues faced in Tripura tribal areas districts and North Cachar Hills District.
Related: Read our detailed overview of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, Meaning, Historical Background, 42nd Amendment.
Table of content
Constitutional Basis of Sixth Schedule
Articles 244(2) & 275(1): Legal foundation of the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Bordoloi Committee (1949): Recommended its inclusion to safeguard tribal people and ensure self-governance.
Objective: Greater autonomy in tribal-majority areas of the Northeast, unlike the Fifth Schedule (Governor + Tribal Advisory Councils).
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)
Created in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.
Composition: Up to 30 members (Governor nominates some; others elected for 5 years).
Exception: Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in Assam – up to 46 members.
Function as mini-legislatures with powers over land, forests, customs, markets, and schools.
Promote direct representation of tribal communities in governance.
The Governor is empowered to organize and reorganize the autonomous districts. He can also increase, decrease the boundaries or alter the name of any autonomous district.
Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs)
Established when different tribes inhabit distinct areas within a district.
Governors may constitute Regional Councils for each group (e.g., North Cachar Hills).
Vested with legislative, executive, and judicial powers similar to Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
Ensure granular self-rule and protection of tribal customs.
Related: Federalism in Indian Polity, Federal features, Evolution, Significance and Challenges can help grasp how autonomous councils fit within India’s quasi-federal structure.
The following tables lists the Four states and their respective district councils:
Assam | North Cachar Hills District The Karbi Anglong District The Bodoland Territorial Areas District |
Meghalaya | Khasi Hills District Jaintia Hills District The Garo Hills District |
Tripura | Tripura Tribal Areas District |
Mizoram | The Chakma District The Mara District The Lai District |
Image Credit : Scroll In
Legislative Powers
District Councils and Regional Councils (autonomous entities) can frame laws on:
Land use & management (except reserved forests).
Forest produce, shifting cultivation, agriculture.
Village administration, inheritance, marriage, divorce, and social customs.
Can regulate money lending & trade by non-tribals → protects tribal people from exploitation.
Laws need Governor’s assent, but empower tribes to adapt governance to local needs.
Executive Powers (Administrative Powers)
Councils function as administrative units with wide executive authority.
They manage:
Primary schools, dispensaries, markets, ferries, fisheries, roads & transport.
Cultural and educational policies (e.g., language of instruction in schools).
Promote tribal development by tailoring governance to local socio-cultural contexts.
Judicial Powers
Councils can constitute village courts & district council courts within their territorial jurisdiction.
Handle disputes on marriage, inheritance, land, and customary issues.
Limits: Cannot try serious crimes (punishable with death or >5 years imprisonment).
Ensures justice is delivered through respective council courts, aligned with tribal customs.
Financial Powers & Management
Councils prepare budgets and levy taxes on professions, trades, animals, vehicles, entry of goods.
Collect land revenue and grant licenses for mineral/resource extraction.
Article 275(1): Special grants from the Centre supplement local revenue.
Aim: Financial self-sufficiency for autonomous entities, reducing dependency on state funds.
Overall Framework
Example: Karbi Anglong District (Assam) and other district and regional councils show how councils act as parallel governance structures within states.
Governors retain oversight (approve laws, alter boundaries, suspend councils).
Sixth Schedule ensures decentralization, protection of minority interests, and tribal autonomy.
Protecting Tribal Identity and Culture
Safeguards tribal groups through recognition of customary laws, traditions, and social practices.
Preserves unique heritage in districts and autonomous regions like Khasi Hills District and Jaintia Hills District.
Self-Governance and Local Solutions
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils enable tribes to govern themselves.
Several autonomous regions (e.g., Bodoland Territorial Area District) function as mini-legislatures, framing laws on land, forest, and agriculture.
Encourages grassroots democracy suited to the needs of different scheduled tribes.
Protection of Land Rights
Prevents alienation of tribal land to non-tribals.
Village councils ensure control of resources remains with indigenous people.
Example: Chakma District Council in Tripura protects land and forest rights of tribal residents.
Resource Management for Local Benefit
Councils can grant licenses for mineral extraction and impose taxes on markets, professions, and goods.
Revenues are reinvested in tribal development (education, health, infrastructure).
Focused Development and Infrastructure
Local institutions managed by Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): primary schools, dispensaries, markets, roads, fisheries.
Ability to promote education in mother tongue and healthcare aligned with community practices.
Addressing Local Grievances
Village courts under respective councils handle disputes on land, inheritance, and customs.
Reduces burden on state judiciary, ensures culturally sensitive justice.
Ladakh Context
NCST (2019) recommended Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh:
Ensure autonomy for its 97% tribal population.
Protect land from outsiders.
Preserve its unique cultural identity, similar to councils in Northeast India.
Financial Constraints
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) depend heavily on state/central grants.
Limited ability to generate revenue → weak funding for welfare schemes, salaries, and infrastructure.
In new regions like Ladakh, sustainability of such councils is uncertain without robust financing.
Administrative Capacity
Councils face shortage of skilled manpower and poor bureaucratic support.
Mismanagement and delays in projects reduce effectiveness.
New councils would require training and strong coordination with higher administration.
Inter-Community Dynamics
Sixth Schedule areas often have multiple tribal groups with rivalries.
Example: Bodoland Territorial Region (Assam) and Meghalaya ADCs – tensions between communities over power-sharing.
In Ladakh, Buddhist-majority Leh vs Muslim-majority Kargil highlights risks of inter-tribal friction.
Centre–State Relations & Security Concerns
Greater autonomy raises coordination challenges with states/Union.
Strategic border areas (e.g., Ladakh) involve national security considerations, limiting decentralization.
Expanding the Sixth Schedule could trigger demands from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, etc.
Constitutional Amendment Requirement
Only Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram are currently covered.
Inclusion of Ladakh or others requires amendment in Parliament – politically sensitive.
Could set precedent for other Fifth Schedule areas demanding equal status.
Overlapping Institutions & Conflict of Laws
Jurisdictional conflicts between state governments and councils over taxation, forests, and law enforcement.
In Ladakh, overlap between Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) and potential new Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) could create governance confusion.
In the last couple of years, Ladakh has been the location of many developmental projects. These include India’s first geothermal power plant and green hydrogen unit. Seven hydropower projects are also proposed to be built on the Indus river and its tributaries.
These rapid development projects challenge the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh. To protect the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh, Ladakhis have demanded their region’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Strengthen Autonomous Councils
Equip Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with adequate administrative and financial powers, staff, and infrastructure to ensure effective functioning.
Harmonize Council–State Roles
Clarify responsibilities and reduce overlaps between councils, state, and central authorities to streamline governance.
Enhance Transparency & Participation
Promote accountability through regular monitoring, audits, and active involvement of tribal communities in decision-making.
Expand Scheduled Areas Thoughtfully
Consider including more tribal-majority regions (e.g., Ladakh), following resource assessments and consensus-building.
Establish Regular Monitoring Mechanisms
Implement periodic evaluations to assess how effectively councils are serving tribal development goals and adapt strategies as needed.
Prelims
Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education? (2012)
Directive Principles of State Policy
Rural and Urban Local Bodies
Fifth Schedule
Sixth Schedule
Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (d)
Q. The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to (2015)
protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
determine the boundaries between States
determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
protect the interests of all the border States
Ans: (a)
Q.What is the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
A.It provides self-governance to tribal areas in four North Eastern states via elected Autonomous District and Regional Councils—protecting tribal identities and laws.
Q. How does the Sixth Schedule differ from the Fifth Schedule?
A.Unlike the Fifth Schedule, where Governors advise on tribal welfare, the Sixth Schedule establishes autonomous councils with legislative, executive, judicial powers in select northeastern regions.
Q. Which states or regions fall under the Sixth Schedule?
A.It applies only to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram—including Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Mara District, and others.
Q. Can Ladakh or other regions be added to the Sixth Schedule?
A.Yes, but inclusion (like Ladakh) requires a constitutional amendment, stakeholder consensus, and safeguards—especially due to unique inter-tribal dynamics.
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution represents a bold experiment in empowering indigenous communities through self-governance.In conclusion, the Sixth Schedule exemplifies India’s “Unity in Diversity”, providing a constitutional space for diversity to thrive. Understanding its workings, benefits, and challenges is not only vital for the exam but also for grasping how India manages the delicate task of nation-building amid immense pluralism. Aspirants should keep an eye on current developments (such as Ladakh’s case) while also mastering the static provisions, to fully answer any question the UPSC might pose on this topic.
Internal Linking Suggestions
How to Begin Your UPSC Preparation : The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
UPSC Previous Year Question Papers with Answers PDF - Prelims & Mains (2014-2024)
40 Most Important Supreme Court Judgements of India : Landmark Judgements UPSC
Article 32 of the Indian Constitution: Right to Constitutional Remedies, 5 Writs, Significance
External Linking Suggestions
UPSC Official Website – Syllabus & Notification: https://upsc.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau – Government Announcements: https://pib.gov.in/
NCERT Official Website – Standard Books for UPSC: https://ncert.nic.in
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