Sixth Schedule

Definition

The schedule that provides for the administration of tribal areas in the four north-eastern States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram through autonomous district and regional councils.

Key points

• It draws from Articles 244(2) and 275(1) and applies only to these four States.
• It creates Autonomous District Councils and Autonomous Regional Councils with powers over land, forests, inheritance, social customs, and village administration.
• The Governor has powers to organise and reorganise the autonomous districts.
• It is distinct from the Fifth Schedule, which governs Scheduled Areas in other States (such as those in central India).
• It is a key instrument of tribal self-governance and a safeguard against alienation of tribal land.

Why it matters for CAPF

The four named States, the autonomous councils, and the Fifth-versus-Sixth Schedule distinction are common in polity and in the north-east internal-security context.

Common confusion

Sixth Schedule (four north-eastern States, autonomous district councils) versus Fifth Schedule (Scheduled Areas in other States, Tribes Advisory Council); the Sixth Schedule applies only to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Parent note

the schedules of the constitution