SIXTH SCHEDULE

NEWS: The Union government has revoked the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA)

ABOUT

• Sixth Schedule àArticles 244(2) and 275(1) provides autonomous governance to tribal areas through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
• Objectivesà Protect tribal identity, land, and customs and ensure self-governance.
• Applicable Only in Northeast India – Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.

Key Features of Sixth Schedule

• Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): 30 members (26 elected + 4 nominated by Governor)
• Legislative Powers: Land, forests (except reserved), customs, marriage, inheritance Requires Governor’s assent
• Judicial Powers: Village courts for customary law disputes.
• Financial Powers: Levy taxes, collect land revenue.
• Limited Applicability of Laws: Parliament/State laws apply only with modifications.

Sixth Schedule demand in Ladakh

• 97% population are Scheduled Tribes.
• After abrogation of Article 370à fear of Land alienation, Job competition, Cultural dilution.
• Fragile Himalayan-glacial ecosystem needs local control.
• Existing councils lack legislative & judicial powers.

Existing Governance in Ladakh

• Union Territory without legislature.
• Two councils – Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council, statutory bodies, not constitutional (unlike ADCs).

Government’s Current Approach

Instead of Sixth Schedule, Centre proposes:

• Reservation & Domicile –Up to 85% reservation and 15-year domicile rule.
• Article 371-Type – Safeguards like Article 371A and Article 371G
• Proposal for new councils in new districts.
• Recognition of local languages (Bhoti, Purgi etc.)