Which States Are Seeking Constitutional Safeguards?
The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly and the Manipur Hill Area Committee for the ‘Hill areas’ in the State have passed resolutions in recent years for their inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
There is a growing demand for the inclusion of the Union territory of Ladakh as well in the Sixth Schedule.
Do the Fifth and Sixth Schedules Grant More Autonomy?
Fifth Schedule: Provides certain autonomy to "scheduled areas," allowing governors to regulate land and other matters affecting Scheduled Tribes (STs).
The Sixth Schedule is applicable to what are officially called as ‘tribal areas’ in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura
Sixth Schedule grants greater autonomy through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), allowing states to legislate on various local issues and manage resources more independently.
Why Did the British Create Provisions for ‘Excluded’ and ‘Partially Excluded’ Areas?
The British aimed to manage tribal populations who had resisted full control, thus creating a system that recognized their autonomy.
The 'excluded' areas were governed primarily by the governor
While 'partially excluded' areas had modified laws applicable to them, reflecting a desire to maintain some level of local governance while also exercising British control.
The provisions were a reaction to tribal rebellions against British policies, intending to isolate these groups and limit external influence.
COMMENTS