AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT COUNCIL
1. Context
In the four months since violence erupted in Manipur, thousands of people from the Kuki-Zomi community in Meiti-majority Imphal have left the city. However, a group of 24 Kuki-Zomis had stayed back in their locality, which they kept guarded with jagged gates. These 24 residents were evacuated from Imphal by security personnel soon after midnight on Saturday. Jimmy Touthang, who was among them, alleged that the evacuation was forced and that it felt “more like an abduction”.
2. What are Autonomous Hill (or District) Councils?
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) are a significant political and administrative feature in certain regions of India, primarily in the northeastern states.
These councils have a special status and are designed to promote local self-governance and protect the interests and rights of tribal communities residing in these areas.
Origin and Background:
- ADCs find their roots in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
- The primary objective behind the creation of ADCs is to safeguard the cultural, social, and economic interests of the tribal populations inhabiting these areas while preserving their distinct identity and traditions.
Geographical Scope:
- ADCs are predominantly found in the northeastern states of India, specifically in regions with a significant tribal population.
- States like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram have multiple ADCs, each catering to a particular tribal area.
Structure and Powers:
- Autonomous District Councils have a specific administrative structure, typically comprising an elected body of representatives from the tribal communities residing within the council's jurisdiction.
- These councils are vested with powers to formulate laws, regulations, and policies on various subjects, including land, forest, and local governance.
- They exercise a degree of autonomy in governing their respective regions, which includes decision-making on matters crucial to the tribal communities.
Functions and Responsibilities:
- ADCs play a vital role in local governance and development within their territories. They are responsible for the administration of tribal lands, natural resources, and community welfare.
- They have the authority to manage and regulate land use, protect traditional customs and practices, and ensure equitable distribution of resources among the tribal population.
- ADCs often collaborate with the state government on matters related to education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and economic upliftment of tribal communities.
Challenges and Concerns:
- Despite their noble objectives, ADCs often face challenges such as inadequate funding, political interference, and administrative constraints.
- Ensuring transparency and accountability in their functioning remains a challenge, and there is a need for capacity building and greater awareness among tribal representatives.
3. Manipur’s Hill Councils
Manipur's Hill Councils are a significant administrative and political feature in the state of Manipur, located in northeastern India. These councils have been established to address the unique cultural, social, and political needs of the various tribal communities residing in the hilly regions of Manipur. Here's an overview of Manipur's Hill Councils:
Establishment and Background:
- The Hill Councils in Manipur were established under the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971. This legislation aimed to provide a framework for the administration of the hill areas within the state.
- Manipur's Hill Councils were created to grant autonomy to these tribal regions while preserving their distinct identities and traditions.
Geographical Scope:
- Manipur's Hill Councils primarily cover the hilly and tribal-dominated regions of the state, including districts like Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul.
- These councils are instrumental in governing these hilly areas and ensuring the welfare and development of the tribal communities residing there.
Structure and Powers:
- The Hill Councils have a specific administrative structure comprising elected representatives from the tribal communities within their respective jurisdictions.
- They possess legislative powers to frame laws and regulations on various subjects, including land, forests, and local governance, within their territorial boundaries.
- These councils are entrusted with decision-making authority in critical areas such as land management, protection of indigenous customs and practices, and equitable distribution of resources among tribal populations.
Functions and Responsibilities:
- Manipur's Hill Councils play a vital role in local governance and development within their areas. They are responsible for the administration of tribal lands, preservation of tribal culture, and safeguarding the rights and interests of indigenous communities.
- They work in collaboration with the state government to address key issues related to education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment of tribal populations.
4. How are Manipur ADCs different from Sixth Schedule ADCs?
Manipur ADCs (Autonomous District Councils) and Sixth Schedule ADCs (Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution) share some similarities in terms of their purpose, which is to promote local self-governance and protect the interests of tribal communities. However, they also have notable differences, primarily in their legal frameworks and geographical locations. Here's a comparison of the two:
Legal Framework:
Manipur ADCs:
- Manipur ADCs are established under the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971. This Act provides the legal framework for the creation and functioning of ADCs in specific hill areas of Manipur.
Sixth Schedule ADCs:
- Sixth Schedule ADCs, on the other hand, are established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This constitutional provision grants special autonomous status to certain tribal areas in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Geographical Scope:
Manipur ADCs:
- Manipur ADCs primarily cover the hilly and tribal-dominated regions of Manipur, a northeastern state in India.
Sixth Schedule ADCs:
- Sixth Schedule ADCs are found in multiple northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. They are limited to the specific tribal areas mentioned in the Sixth Schedule.
States Covered:
Manipur ADCs:
- Manipur ADCs are unique to the state of Manipur and are administered within the boundaries of Manipur.
Sixth Schedule ADCs:
- Sixth Schedule ADCs are found in multiple northeastern states, each with its own set of autonomous district councils. They are established in states as per the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
5. What is the Sixth Schedule?
The Sixth Schedule is a provision within the Constitution of India that deals with the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It grants a special status to these areas to protect the interests, rights, and cultural identity of the tribal communities residing there. Here are the key features and provisions of the Sixth Schedule:
Autonomous District Councils (ADCs):
- The primary feature of the Sixth Schedule is the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) within the tribal areas of the mentioned states. These ADCs have a degree of autonomy and authority to govern their respective regions.
Administrative Autonomy:
- ADCs have legislative, executive, and financial powers specified in the Sixth Schedule. They can make laws on various subjects, manage local resources, and formulate policies for the areas under their jurisdiction.
Subjects under ADC Jurisdiction:
- The Sixth Schedule empowers ADCs to make laws on subjects such as land, forests, agriculture, local customs, and traditions, among others. They have control over these subjects within their autonomous districts.
Safeguarding Tribal Rights:
- The Sixth Schedule is designed to protect the rights and interests of tribal communities. It ensures that tribal customs, traditions, and land rights are preserved and safeguarded.
Council Composition:
- ADCs have elected members, and the composition may vary depending on the specific provisions of the Sixth Schedule for each state. These councils often include representatives from different tribal communities.
Governor's Role:
- The Governor of the state plays a significant role in the functioning of ADCs. The Governor has the authority to notify the areas to be administered by the ADCs and can also assume certain powers in exceptional circumstances.
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For Prelims: Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), Manipur's Hill Councils, Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971, Sixth Schedule.
For Mains:
1. Discuss the significance of the Sixth Schedule in protecting the rights and interests of tribal communities in the northeastern states. How does it contribute to the preservation of tribal culture and identity? (250 words).
2. Examine the key features of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) established under the Sixth Schedule. How do ADCs promote local self-governance and resource management in tribal areas? (250 words).
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Previous year Question1. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education? (UPSC 2012)
1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
3. Fifth Schedule
4. Sixth Schedule
5. Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3, 4, and 5 only
C. 1, 2, and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: D
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Source: The Indian Express
