The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These provisions are designed to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of the tribal populations in these regions and provide them with a certain level of autonomy. The key features of the administration under the Sixth Schedule include:
1. Autonomous Districts:
- Constitution: The tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram have been designated as autonomous districts. Despite their autonomy, these districts remain under the executive authority of the state concerned.
- Organisation and Reorganisation: The governor of the state has the authority to organize and reorganize the autonomous districts, including adjusting their boundaries, increasing or decreasing their areas, and renaming them.
2. Autonomous Regions:
- If there are multiple tribes in an autonomous district, the governor can divide the district into several autonomous regions.
3. District Councils and Regional Councils:
- District Councils: Each autonomous district has a district council composed of 30 members—26 elected members and 4 nominated by the governor. The elected members serve a five-year term (unless the council is dissolved earlier), while the nominated members serve at the pleasure of the governor.
- Regional Councils: Each autonomous region also has a separate regional council.
4. Legislative Powers:
- Legislation: Acts of Parliament or the state legislature do not apply to autonomous districts and regions unless specified otherwise with modifications and exceptions.
- Regulation: The district and regional councils have the power to make laws and regulations on specified subjects such as land management, forest management, and inheritance.
5. Governor's Oversight:
- Commissions: The governor can appoint commissions to examine and report on any matter related to the administration of the autonomous districts or regions.
- Dissolution: The governor can dissolve a district or regional council on the recommendation of the appointed commission.
Tribal Areas at a Glance:
➤ Assam:
- North Cachar Hills District
- Karbi Anglong District
- Bodoland Territorial Areas District
➤ Meghalaya:
- Khasi Hills District
- Jaintia Hills District
- Garo Hills District
➤ Tripura:
- Tripura Tribal Areas District
➤ Mizoram:
- Chakma District
- Mara District
- Lai District
The provisions of the Sixth Schedule aim to preserve the cultural heritage, customs, and identity of the tribal communities in these regions while ensuring their participation in local governance.
