The Cabinet’s recent approval of amendments to Article 280 and the sixth schedule of the Constitution marks a significant increase in the powers of Autonomous Councils in Sixth Schedule Areas of North East India. The sixth schedule of the Constitution encompasses ten autonomous district councils across Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
The Ten Autonomous Councils
These ten autonomous councils are distributed across the four aforementioned states according to the sixth schedule of the Constitution. In Assam, there are three councils: the Bodoland Territorial Council, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and the Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council. Meghalaya houses the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council. Tripura has the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, while Mizoram is home to the Chakma Autonomous District Council, the Lai Autonomous District Council, and the Mara Autonomous District Council.
Approved Amendments
Several amendments have been approved to enhance the powers and resources of these autonomous districts. The amendment in Article 280 mandates the Finance Commission to recommend the devolution of financial resources, which will substantially amplify the financial resources and powers at the disposal of the autonomous district councils.
Additional subjects—including Public Works, Forests, Public Health Engineering, Health & Family Welfare, Urban Development, and Food and Civil Supply—will be transferred to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council and the Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council in Assam. Furthermore, a few existing autonomous councils will be renamed, given their jurisdictions now extend beyond a single district.
An Increase in Seats
There will be an increased number of seats in numerous councils. These include the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (from 30 to 50 seats), Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council (from 30 to 40 seats), Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (from 30 to 42 seats), Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (from 30 to 40 seats), and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (from 30 to 34 seats).
Table of Amendments
| Council | Original seat count | New seat count |
|---|---|---|
| Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council | 30 | 50 |
| Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council | 30 | 40 |
| Garo Hills Autonomous District Council | 30 | 42 |
| Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council | 30 | 40 |
| Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council | 30 | 34 |
Introduction of Village Municipal Councils
In addition, there will be a provision for elected village municipal councils. These councils will have the authority to create plans for economic development and social justice; areas of focus include agriculture, land improvement, implementation of land reforms, minor irrigation, water management, animal husbandry, rural electrification, small scale industries, and social forestry.
Elections and Anti-Defection Laws
The State Election Commission will conduct elections for these village and municipal councils. An anti-defection provision will also be instated. In the sixth schedule areas of Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura, at least one-third of the seats in the village and municipal councils will be reserved for women. In all autonomous councils, at least two nominated members will be women.
About the Sixth Schedule
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution administers the tribal areas in the four northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram—per Article 244. The governor has the power to increase or decrease these areas or alter the names of the autonomous districts. The Union’s executive powers extend to the Scheduled Areas regarding their administration in the 5th schedule. However, the 6th schedule areas remain within the State’s executive authority. The acts of Parliament or the state legislature do not apply to autonomous districts and autonomous regions, or they apply with specified modifications and exceptions. These Councils have wide civil and criminal judicial powers, such as establishing village courts. However, the jurisdiction of these councils is subject to the authority of the concerned High Court.