Sixth Schedule
In one line: The Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous district and regional councils with law-making powers in tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
How it works
It draws on Articles 244(2) and 275(1). Each autonomous district council can have up to 30 members, of whom up to 4 are nominated by the Governor and the rest are elected by adult franchise, for a five-year term. Councils can make laws on matters such as land, forests, shifting cultivation, village administration, inheritance and social customs, and can run their own courts for certain disputes.
Why it is in the news
Ladakh's civil society platforms have sought inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. The new hill councils are statutory and do not carry these constitutional powers.
Where to go next
- Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils
- Part IX and local self-government
Sixth Schedule in the news
- Article 371 A to J, and what a new 371K could do for Ladakh 22 September 2026
Autonomous councils for tribal areas
- Ladakh notifies autonomous hill development councils for all seven districts 4 September 2026
The constitutional model of tribal autonomy that Ladakh's groups want
Previous-year questions on this
- 2026 · GS3 · 10 marks Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic…
- 2026 · GS2 · 15 marks How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute…
- 2022 · GS2 · 10 marks To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?
- 2013 · GS2 · 10 marks Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the 'Nagas' as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the…
- 2015 · Prelims The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes (b) determine the boundaries between States (c)…