Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

Current Context :  Recently, there is a demand increased for inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution.

LADAKH’S DEMAND FOR INCLUSION:

• Ladakh’s population is 97% tribal, and people are demanding Sixth Schedule status to preserve their cultural identity, land rights, and employment opportunities.
• The Sixth Schedule would give Ladakh more local autonomy through ADCs and protect its fragile ecosystem from industrial activities.
• The government has resisted, citing that the Sixth Schedule is designed for northeastern states, though it has increased tribal reservations and financial support for Ladakh.

ABOUT SIXTH SCHEDULE

• Article 244(2) of the Indian Constitution governs tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It was introduced based on the Bardoloi Committee’s recommendations.
• It empowers Governor to create Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) & Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs) in these four states.
• ADCs and ARCs are established to give tribal communities the power to self-govern in these regions.
• ADCs have up to 30 members, with 4 nominated by the Governor and 26 elected. There are currently 10 ADCs in these four states.

POWERS OF ADCS AND ARCS:

• ADCs and ARCs can make laws on local matters like forest management, agriculture, marriage, inheritance, and social customs.

They can also collect land revenue, impose taxes, and regulate trade, including collecting royalties from mineral resources