A Study of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

Abstract

Tribals in India’s northeast has their unique culture, tradition, customs, medicinal system etc. which makes them different from people in mainland India. Administration of tribal areas in North East India has always been a matter of concern. There are various tribal communities have been residing in North East region. Each tribal community has its own district identity, tradition, custom, traditional judicial system and rule of law. Considering this, the Constitution of India has made some special provisions for administering the tribal dominated areas especially from North Eastern states that includes Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Under Sixth Schedule, Autonomous District Councils were created with an interest of protecting economic and cultural interests of the hilly tribes. Main objective of the Sixth Schedule is to provide self- rule to various tribal communities in North Eastern states of the country. Citizen from the other parts of India have to take permits to enter the Sixth Schedule areas. Outsiders can not buy land in the Sixth Schedule areas. The development of tribal areas in terms of education, culture, technology and various other aspects is the main aim of formulating the Sixth Schedule. Implementation of Sixth Schedule in its true letter and spirit will not only support the development of tribal regions but will also contribute towards equal participation of all the states in the cultural and economic growth of the country (Barman). It is in this background the study focuses on understanding the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Besides, the study also makes an attempt to examine the powers and functions of Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.