More Power to Autonomous Councils in Sixth Schedule Areas

The Union Cabinet on January 23, 2019 approved a landmark amendment to Article 280 and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Constitutional amendment aims to increase the financial and executive powers of the 10 autonomous councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of the northeast.

What will Change?

  • The amendment will impact a population of about 1 crore tribals living in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
  • Devolution of Financial Resources: The Finance Commission will be mandated to recommend devolution of financial resources to the councils. Till now, the autonomous councils have depended on grants from Central Ministries and the State governments for specific projects.
  • Reservations for Women: As per the proposed amendment, at least one third of the seats will be reserved for women in the village and municipal councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura.
  • Transfer of Additional Subjects: The amendment also provides for transfer of additional 30 subjects including departments of Public Works, Forests, Public Health Engineering, Health and Family Welfare, Urban Development and Food and Civil Supply to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council in Assam.

Village Council

  • Socio-Economic Development: The village councils would be empowered to prepare plans for economic development and social justice including those related to agriculture, land improvement, implementation of land reforms, minor irrigation, water management, animal husbandry, rural electrification, small scale industries and social forestry.
  • Elections: The State Election Commissions would hold elections to the autonomous councils, village and municipal councils in the areas of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura. There would be a provision for anti-defection too.
  • Renaming of the Existing Councils: The amendment proposes renaming the existing autonomous councils as -
    1. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC)
    2. Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council (DHATC)
    3. Garo Hills Autonomous Territorial Council (GHATC)
    4. Khasi Hills Autonomous Territorial Council (KHATC)
    5. Jaintia Hills Autonomous Territorial Council (JHATC)
    6. Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous Territorial Council (TTAATC)
  • There would also be an increase in the numbers of seats: in KAATC (from 30 to 50 seats), DHATC (30 to 40 seats), GHATC (30 to 42), KHATC (30 to 40) and JHATC (30 to 34).

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