Sixth Schedule Areas

The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is a crucial provision that pertains to the administration of tribal areas in certain states. Let’s delve into its features and significance:

1. Coverage: The Sixth Schedule safeguards tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These regions are home to diverse indigenous communities.
2. Autonomous Districts and Regions:
   • The tribal areas within these states are constituted as autonomous districts. However, they remain within the executive authority of the respective states.
   • If there are multiple tribes in an autonomous district, the Governor has the power to divide it into several autonomous regions.
   • Each Autonomous District has a District Council comprising elected members (based on adult franchise) and nominated members appointed by the Governor. The elected members serve a term of five years.
   • The Governor can create new autonomous districts or alter existing ones’ territorial jurisdiction or names.
3. Specific Areas Covered:

         4. Significance:

• The Sixth Schedule aims to safeguard the rights of tribal populations by establishing Autonomous District Councils (ADC)
• These ADCs have the authority to make laws and receive central government funds for social and infrastructure development in tribal areas.