Manipur has suggested granting more autonomy to its existing autonomous hill councils in an effort to address the ongoing conflict and appease the Kuki community. These councils, governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, have legislative, judicial, and administrative powers within their regions. However, unlike other Sixth Schedule ADCs, Manipur’s councils rely on the state Assembly for approval, and their powers are limited to personal matters like marriage and social customs. Additionally, they depend on the state government for funding and are subservient to the Deputy Commissioner, who can dissolve them with the Governor’s consent.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Sixth Schedule of the Constitution: The Sixth Schedule provides for the formation of autonomous administrative divisions within a state in India, granting them legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy. Manipur’s autonomous district councils operate under this schedule.
- Kukis: The Kuki community is one of the indigenous tribes in Manipur, and their concerns and interests are central to the proposed autonomy adjustments.
- Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): ADCs are local governing bodies in India’s northeastern states, empowered to make laws on various issues within their regions, including land, forest, agriculture, and social customs.
- Hill Area Committees: These committees comprise Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from hill areas and play a role in the decision-making process of Manipur’s ADCs, as proposals must be routed through them before reaching the state Assembly.
