Sixth Schedule and Autonomous Councils

Sixth Schedule in Assam: Autonomous Councils, Tribal Governance and Ethnic Autonomy – MCQs

Introduction

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India is one of the most important constitutional mechanisms for accommodating tribal diversity and providing a degree of local self-government in parts of Northeast India.

The Sixth Schedule operates under Articles 244(2) and 275(1) and provides special arrangements for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. In Assam, the system has played an important role in protecting tribal land, customary practices, local institutions, cultural identity and community participation in governance.

The roots of autonomous administration in Assam’s hill areas can be traced to the constitutional discussions surrounding the Bordoloi Committee/Sub-Committee during the framing of the Constitution. Concerns about protecting tribal land, customs and distinct social and cultural institutions contributed to the development of the autonomous-district framework. The historical record of Dima Hasao notes that representatives from the hill areas had approached the Bordoloi Committee for a separate autonomous administrative arrangement.

Today, Assam has three major autonomous institutions functioning under the Sixth Schedule:

Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)
Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC), historically known as the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council
Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)

These should be distinguished from various autonomous councils established under State legislation for other communities. The Government of Assam’s Directorate of Tribal Affairs lists State-created councils such as the Rabha Hasong, Mising, Tiwa, Deori, Sonowal Kachari and Thengal Kachari Autonomous Councils.

The Sixth Schedule therefore represents a distinctive form of constitutional decentralisation and asymmetric governance, in which certain tribal areas receive institutions and powers that differ from the ordinary administrative structure prevailing elsewhere in the State.

Quick Revision Table

Topic	Important Fact
Constitutional basis	Articles 244(2) and 275(1)
Constitutional location	Sixth Schedule
States covered	Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram
Main objective	Autonomous administration of specified tribal areas
Autonomous institutions in Assam	KAAC, DHAC and BTC
Karbi Anglong	Sixth Schedule autonomous area
Dima Hasao	Sixth Schedule autonomous area
Bodoland Territorial Areas District	Sixth Schedule area
District Council	Constitutional autonomous institution
Regional Council	May be constituted where different Scheduled Tribes inhabit an autonomous district
Normal District Council size	Not more than 30 members
Normal Council term	Five years
Governor’s role	Important powers over autonomous districts and councils
BTC membership	Up to 46 members
BTC elected members	40
BTC nominated members	6
BTC creation framework	Sixth Schedule Amendment, 2003
KAAC/NCHAC naming	Sixth Schedule Amendment, 1995
Sixth Schedule legislative powers	Paragraph 3
Judicial powers	Paragraph 4
District Fund	Paragraph 7
Taxation powers	Paragraph 8
Land and customary matters	Paragraph 3
Cultural significance	Protection of tribal customs, institutions and identity

MCQs with Answers and Concept-Clearing Explanations

1. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution primarily deals with the administration of which areas?

A. Urban municipal areas
B. Scheduled and tribal areas in specified North-Eastern States
C. All rural areas of India
D. Union Territories only

Correct Answer: B. Scheduled and tribal areas in specified North-Eastern States

Explanation

The Sixth Schedule provides special constitutional arrangements for the administration of specified tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

It creates autonomous institutional arrangements intended to accommodate tribal social, cultural and administrative characteristics. The Schedule operates under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).

Exam Point:
Sixth Schedule → Tribal areas → Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

2. Which Articles of the Constitution are specifically associated with the Sixth Schedule?

A. Articles 243–243O
B. Articles 244(2) and 275(1)
C. Articles 280 and 281
D. Articles 352 and 356

Correct Answer: B. Articles 244(2) and 275(1)

Explanation

The Sixth Schedule is constitutionally linked to Article 244(2) and Article 275(1).

Article 244 deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and tribal areas. Article 244(2) specifically refers to the Sixth Schedule arrangements for tribal areas in the North-Eastern States.

Article 275(1) provides for grants-in-aid and contains provisions connected with the development and administration of Scheduled and tribal areas.

3. Which of the following States is NOT covered by the Sixth Schedule?

A. Assam
B. Meghalaya
C. Nagaland
D. Mizoram

Correct Answer: C. Nagaland

Explanation

The Sixth Schedule applies to specified tribal areas in:

Assam
Meghalaya
Tripura
Mizoram

Nagaland is not included in the Sixth Schedule. It has separate constitutional provisions, particularly under Article 371A, concerning customary law, religious and social practices and ownership and transfer of land and its resources.

This distinction is frequently tested in Northeast India questions.

4. Which constitutional mechanism provides for Autonomous District Councils in Assam?

A. Fifth Schedule
B. Sixth Schedule
C. Seventh Schedule
D. Ninth Schedule

Correct Answer: B. Sixth Schedule

Explanation

Autonomous District Councils in Assam’s specified tribal areas are established under the Sixth Schedule.

The Schedule provides institutions with legislative, executive, judicial and financial functions within the framework established by the Constitution. The official constitutional text specifies the powers and functions of District and Regional Councils.

5. How many major Sixth Schedule autonomous councils currently operate in Assam?

A. Two
B. Three
C. Six
D. Eight

Correct Answer: B. Three

Explanation

The major Sixth Schedule autonomous institutions in Assam are:

Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council
Dima Hasao Autonomous Council
Bodoland Territorial Council

The Government of Assam identifies these three institutions as Assam’s autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule.

They should not be confused with the additional autonomous councils created by the State Legislature for other tribal communities.

6. Which of the following is a Sixth Schedule autonomous council in Assam?

A. Mising Autonomous Council
B. Tiwa Autonomous Council
C. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council
D. Deori Autonomous Council

Correct Answer: C. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council

Explanation

The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) functions under the Sixth Schedule.

By contrast, the Mising, Tiwa and Deori Autonomous Councils are among councils created through State legislation rather than directly under the Sixth Schedule. The Government of Assam’s Directorate of Tribal Affairs distinguishes State-legislated autonomous councils from Sixth Schedule institutions.

7. Which present-day district is administered through the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council under the Sixth Schedule?

A. Karbi Anglong
B. Dima Hasao
C. Kokrajhar
D. Udalguri

Correct Answer: B. Dima Hasao

Explanation

The Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) is the Sixth Schedule institution associated with Dima Hasao district.

The council was historically known as the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), and the district itself was renamed Dima Hasao in 2010. The council retains the historical North Cachar Hills nomenclature in its official name in some contexts.

8. Which autonomous council administers the Bodoland Territorial Areas District under the Sixth Schedule?

A. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council
B. Dima Hasao Autonomous Council
C. Bodoland Territorial Council
D. Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council

Correct Answer: C. Bodoland Territorial Council

Explanation

The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) was created through amendments to the Sixth Schedule following the 2003 Bodo settlement framework.

The Sixth Schedule was amended in 2003 to insert the Bodoland Territorial Areas District into the constitutional framework and to provide for the Bodoland Territorial Council.

9. The Sixth Schedule was designed primarily to accommodate which principle?

A. Complete centralisation of tribal administration
B. Local autonomy and protection of tribal institutions
C. Abolition of customary law
D. Uniform administration without regional variation

Correct Answer: B. Local autonomy and protection of tribal institutions

Explanation

The Sixth Schedule provides a framework for autonomous administration in specified tribal areas.

It allows communities to participate in governance through institutions that possess defined legislative, judicial, executive and financial powers. It also recognises the importance of customary practices, village institutions, land and social customs.

Thus, the Sixth Schedule represents an example of asymmetric decentralisation within India’s constitutional system.

10. Who has important constitutional powers relating to the creation or alteration of autonomous districts under the Sixth Schedule?

A. President alone
B. Governor
C. Chief Justice of India
D. Speaker of Lok Sabha

Correct Answer: B. Governor

Explanation

Under Paragraph 1 of the Sixth Schedule, the Governor has powers, through public notification, concerning the inclusion or exclusion of areas and the creation, enlargement, reduction, merger, renaming or alteration of boundaries of autonomous districts, subject to constitutional conditions.

For certain changes, the Governor must consider the report of a Commission appointed under Paragraph 14.

11. What is the normal maximum strength of a District Council under the Sixth Schedule?

A. 20 members
B. 25 members
C. 30 members
D. 40 members

Correct Answer: C. 30 members

Explanation

Under Paragraph 2, a District Council ordinarily consists of not more than 30 members.

Not more than four may be nominated by the Governor, while the remaining members are elected on the basis of adult suffrage.

The Bodoland Territorial Council has a special constitutional arrangement and therefore differs from this general rule.

12. What is the normal term of a District Council under the Sixth Schedule?

A. Three years
B. Four years
C. Five years
D. Six years

Correct Answer: C. Five years

Explanation

A District Council normally has a five-year term, unless it is dissolved earlier according to the constitutional framework.

The five-year term is comparable to the normal constitutional term of several elected representative institutions in India, but the Sixth Schedule provides the specific institutional framework for autonomous districts.

13. Under the Sixth Schedule, who nominates certain members of a District Council?

A. Parliament
B. Governor
C. Chief Minister
D. Election Commission of India

Correct Answer: B. Governor

Explanation

The Sixth Schedule provides that not more than four members of an ordinary District Council may be nominated by the Governor, while the remaining members are elected on the basis of adult suffrage.

This arrangement is different from ordinary Panchayati Raj institutions and illustrates the distinctive constitutional design of autonomous councils.

14. Which paragraph of the Sixth Schedule deals primarily with the powers of District and Regional Councils to make laws?

A. Paragraph 1
B. Paragraph 2
C. Paragraph 3
D. Paragraph 7

Correct Answer: C. Paragraph 3

Explanation

Paragraph 3 provides legislative powers to District and Regional Councils over specified subjects.

These include matters such as:

allotment and use of land other than reserved forests;
management of non-reserved forests;
regulation of shifting cultivation;
village and town administration;
appointment or succession of chiefs or headmen;
inheritance;
marriage and divorce;
social customs.

The exact powers are subject to the constitutional limitations and procedures specified in the Schedule.

15. Which of the following is a subject over which Sixth Schedule Councils may make laws?

A. Defence
B. Foreign affairs
C. Regulation of shifting cultivation
D. Currency

Correct Answer: C. Regulation of shifting cultivation

Explanation

Paragraph 3 of the Sixth Schedule specifically includes the regulation of jhum or other forms of shifting cultivation among matters over which the relevant District or Regional Council may make laws.

Defence, foreign affairs and currency are Union-level subjects and are not legislative subjects of Autonomous District Councils.

16. Which area of law is particularly important to Sixth Schedule Councils because of their connection with tribal customary practices?

A. Social customs
B. Foreign policy
C. National defence
D. Banking regulation

Correct Answer: A. Social customs

Explanation

The Sixth Schedule specifically recognises social customs among the matters on which councils may make laws.

Other culturally significant areas include marriage and divorce, inheritance, village administration and appointment or succession of chiefs or headmen. This constitutional recognition is important for understanding the relationship between customary law and modern constitutional governance in Assam’s tribal areas.

17. Which type of forest is excluded from the general law-making power of Sixth Schedule Councils over forests?

A. Community forests
B. Reserved forests
C. Village forests
D. Bamboo forests

Correct Answer: B. Reserved forests

Explanation

Paragraph 3 includes the management of forests other than reserved forests.

The distinction between reserved and non-reserved forests is important in understanding the constitutional distribution of authority in Sixth Schedule areas.

The constitutional text specifically defines a reserved forest for this purpose with reference to applicable forest law.

18. Which paragraph of the Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of justice in autonomous districts and regions?

A. Paragraph 3
B. Paragraph 4
C. Paragraph 7
D. Paragraph 9

Correct Answer: B. Paragraph 4

Explanation

Paragraph 4 deals with the administration of justice in autonomous districts and autonomous regions.

District and Regional Councils may have powers concerning village councils and courts for certain cases involving members of Scheduled Tribes, subject to the constitutional framework.

This illustrates that Sixth Schedule autonomy is not restricted to development administration; it also has a customary judicial dimension.

19. Which constitutional provision is particularly relevant to the financial resources of Autonomous District Councils?

A. Paragraph 7 of the Sixth Schedule
B. Article 324
C. Article 368
D. Article 370

Correct Answer: A. Paragraph 7 of the Sixth Schedule

Explanation

Paragraph 7 provides for the constitution of a District Fund and a Regional Fund for each autonomous district or region.

These funds are used for the revenue and expenditure of the respective councils, subject to the constitutional provisions governing their administration.

Financial autonomy is therefore an important component of the Sixth Schedule system.

20. Which paragraph of the Sixth Schedule deals with the taxation powers of District and Regional Councils?

A. Paragraph 4
B. Paragraph 6
C. Paragraph 8
D. Paragraph 14

Correct Answer: C. Paragraph 8

Explanation

Paragraph 8 concerns the taxation powers of District and Regional Councils.

The constitutional framework permits councils to levy and collect specified taxes and fees, subject to the provisions of the Schedule.

This financial authority is important because meaningful local autonomy requires not only administrative responsibilities but also mechanisms for raising and managing resources.

21. Which historical committee played an important role in discussions concerning autonomous administration of tribal areas in Assam during constitution-making?

A. Sarkaria Committee
B. Bordoloi Committee/Sub-Committee
**C. Mandal Commission
**D. Punchhi Commission

Correct Answer: B. Bordoloi Committee/Sub-Committee

Explanation

The Bordoloi Committee/Sub-Committee, associated with Gopinath Bordoloi, was important in the constitutional discussions concerning the administration of tribal areas in Assam.

Representatives from hill areas raised concerns about protection of their land, culture and distinctive institutions. The subsequent constitutional framework contributed to the creation of Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule.

The Government of Assam’s Dima Hasao historical account records representations made before the Bordoloi Committee for a separate autonomous administrative arrangement.

22. The Sixth Schedule came into operation with the Constitution in which year?

A. 1947
B. 1949
C. 1950
D. 1952

Correct Answer: C. 1950

Explanation

The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950, and the Sixth Schedule formed part of the constitutional framework from its commencement.

The first autonomous councils under the new constitutional framework were subsequently constituted through the relevant rules and administrative processes in the early 1950s.

23. The United Mikir and North Cachar Hills district was formally created in which year?

A. 1947
B. 1951
C. 1956
D. 1970

Correct Answer: B. 1951

Explanation

The United Mikir and North Cachar Hills district was formally created in 1951.

The Government of Assam’s Dima Hasao historical account records the development of the autonomous institutional arrangement and the creation of the district in the early post-independence period.

The district was later bifurcated into Mikir Hills and North Cachar Hills in 1970.

24. In which year was the Sixth Schedule amended to specifically recognise the Bodoland Territorial Areas District?

A. 1985
B. 1995
C. 2003
D. 2010

Correct Answer: C. 2003

Explanation

The Sixth Schedule to the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2003 made significant changes in the constitutional framework applicable to Assam.

Among other provisions, it inserted the Bodoland Territorial Areas District into the table of tribal areas and established the constitutional framework for the Bodoland Territorial Council.

The change followed the 2003 Memorandum of Settlement involving the Government of India, Government of Assam and Bodo Liberation Tigers.

25. Under the special Sixth Schedule arrangement, how many members can the Bodoland Territorial Council have?

A. 30
B. 36
C. 40
D. 46

Correct Answer: D. 46

Explanation

The constitutional provision for the Bodoland Territorial Council provides for not more than 46 members.

Of these:

40 are elected
30 elected seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes
5 elected seats are reserved for non-tribal communities
5 elected seats are open to all communities
6 members are nominated by the Governor

At least two of the nominated members must be women.

26. Which Constitutional Amendment specifically modified the Sixth Schedule to establish the Bodoland Territorial Council framework?

A. 42nd Amendment
B. 73rd Amendment
C. Sixth Schedule to the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2003
D. 101st Amendment

Correct Answer: C. Sixth Schedule to the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2003

Explanation

The Sixth Schedule to the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2003 (Act 44 of 2003) introduced several special provisions for the Bodoland Territorial Areas District and the Bodoland Territorial Council.

It modified several paragraphs of the Sixth Schedule and inserted the Bodoland Territorial Areas District into Part I of the Schedule’s table.

27. Which of the following is NOT a Sixth Schedule autonomous council in Assam?

A. Dima Hasao Autonomous Council
B. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council
C. Bodoland Territorial Council
D. Mising Autonomous Council

Correct Answer: D. Mising Autonomous Council

Explanation

The Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Bodoland Territorial Council operate under the Sixth Schedule framework in Assam.

The Mising Autonomous Council is a State-created autonomous council. The Government of Assam’s Directorate of Tribal Affairs lists Mising among the statutory autonomous councils constituted under State legislation.

This distinction is extremely important for competitive examinations.

Sixth Schedule vs State-Legislated Autonomous Councils

Feature	Sixth Schedule Councils	State-Legislated Councils
Constitutional basis	Constitution, Sixth Schedule	State legislation
Main examples in Assam	KAAC, DHAC, BTC	Mising, Tiwa, Rabha Hasong, Deori, etc.
Legislative powers	Constitutional framework	Determined by State law
Judicial powers	Provided under Sixth Schedule	Depends on State legislation
Financial provisions	Constitutional framework	Determined by State legislation
Governor’s constitutional role	Significant	Depends on relevant State law
Land/customary-law role	Specifically recognised	Depends on enabling legislation
Constitutional protection	Direct	Primarily statutory

The Government of Assam explicitly distinguishes State-legislated Autonomous Councils from the Sixth Schedule system.

Important Chronology

Year	Development
1947–49	Constitutional discussions on tribal administration in Assam
1948	Important Constituent Assembly discussions on autonomous administration
1950	Constitution and Sixth Schedule came into force
1951	United Mikir and North Cachar Hills district created
1951–52	Early autonomous councils established in Assam’s hill areas
1970	United Mikir and North Cachar Hills district bifurcated
1971	North-Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act affected the constitutional framework of Northeast tribal areas
1976	Mikir Hills district renamed Karbi Anglong
1995	Sixth Schedule amendment formally used the names Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council
2003	Sixth Schedule amended for Bodoland Territorial Council
2003	Bodo Memorandum of Settlement signed
2010	North Cachar Hills district renamed Dima Hasao
Contemporary period	KAAC, DHAC and BTC function as major Sixth Schedule institutions in Assam

The Dima Hasao Government records the historical development from the United Mikir and North Cachar Hills district to the modern autonomous council structure.

Legislative Powers of Sixth Schedule Councils

One of the most important features of the Sixth Schedule is that Autonomous District and Regional Councils can make laws on specified matters.

Important subjects include:

Land allotment and use
Non-reserved forests
Shifting cultivation
Village and town administration
Appointment or succession of chiefs/headmen
Inheritance
Marriage and divorce
Social customs

However, the powers are not equivalent to those of a State Legislature. The councils operate within the constitutional framework of the Sixth Schedule, and certain laws require the Governor’s assent.

Judicial Powers and Customary Law

The Sixth Schedule recognises the importance of customary institutions in administering justice.

District and Regional Councils may establish or authorise village councils or courts for specified disputes involving members of Scheduled Tribes.

This creates an institutional connection between:

Constitutional governance → Autonomous Councils → Customary practices → Local justice

This feature is particularly significant for understanding the relationship between modern constitutional institutions and traditional tribal governance.

Financial Powers

Autonomy requires financial resources.

The Sixth Schedule therefore provides mechanisms concerning:

District Funds
Regional Funds
Taxes
Fees
Revenues assigned to councils
Grants and financial support

Paragraph 7 deals with District and Regional Funds, while Paragraph 8 deals with taxation powers.

These provisions allow autonomous institutions to undertake development and administrative functions within their jurisdictions.

Governor’s Role

The Governor occupies a significant constitutional position under the Sixth Schedule.

Among other responsibilities, the Governor has powers relating to:

Creation or alteration of autonomous districts
Constitution of councils
Certain legislative procedures
Assent to council laws
Rules for administration
Certain financial and administrative matters

This means Sixth Schedule autonomy operates within a system of shared constitutional authority rather than complete independence from the State Government.

Autonomous Councils and Ethnic Politics in Assam

The Sixth Schedule is closely connected with Assam’s history of ethnic mobilisation and demands for autonomy.

Several communities have sought political institutions capable of protecting:

Land rights
Cultural identity
Language
Traditional institutions
Local development
Political representation
Customary practices

The development of the Bodoland Territorial Council is one major example of how a political movement and negotiated settlement resulted in changes to the constitutional framework.

The 2003 settlement and subsequent Sixth Schedule amendment created a territorial autonomous institution for the Bodoland Territorial Areas District.

Sixth Schedule and Bodo Autonomy

The Bodo autonomy movement represents an important chapter in Assam’s post-independence political history.

The 2003 Memorandum of Settlement was signed among:

Government of India
Government of Assam
Bodo Liberation Tigers

The settlement provided for the creation of the Bodoland Territorial Council under the Sixth Schedule.

The constitutional amendment subsequently provided the legal framework for the Council and specified its composition and powers.

Cultural and Heritage Significance

The Sixth Schedule has significance beyond administrative decentralisation.

Its recognition of:

customary law,
traditional village institutions,
social customs,
land practices,
cultural affairs,
tribal languages and identity,

helps preserve aspects of Assam’s diverse indigenous cultural heritage.

The Government of Assam’s Dima Hasao profile highlights the district’s diverse tribal communities, including Dimasa, Zeme, Hmar, Kuki and Karbi communities.

Autonomous institutions can therefore play a role in maintaining cultural institutions while simultaneously participating in contemporary development administration.

Archaeology and Heritage Administration

Heritage management in Sixth Schedule areas can involve multiple institutions.

Autonomous councils may have responsibilities touching areas such as cultural affairs, tourism, museums and archaeology, particularly under State-created autonomous councils. The Government of Assam records cultural and heritage-related functions among the responsibilities of several autonomous institutions.

However, students should distinguish these functions from the statutory responsibilities of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) concerning centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites.

Thus:

Autonomous Council → Local cultural and administrative functions

ASI → Centrally protected archaeological monuments/sites

This distinction can be useful in Assam-focused General Studies examinations.

Sixth Schedule and Local Governance

Sixth Schedule institutions should not be confused with ordinary Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Panchayati Raj

Constitutional basis: Part IX
73rd Constitutional Amendment
Mainly rural local self-government
Applies generally outside areas where special constitutional arrangements operate

Sixth Schedule

Constitutional basis: Sixth Schedule
Articles 244(2) and 275(1)
Designed for specified tribal areas
Provides wider autonomy in specified subjects
Recognises customary and traditional institutions

This is an important example of asymmetric federalism and decentralisation in India.

Why the Sixth Schedule Matters in Assam

The Sixth Schedule attempts to address a fundamental governance question:

How can a modern constitutional system provide democratic self-government while recognising distinctive tribal institutions, customs and identities?

The answer is not complete political separation. Instead, the constitutional framework provides limited territorial autonomy within the Indian Union and the State of Assam.

The system combines:

Elected representation
Customary institutions
Legislative powers
Executive functions
Judicial functions
Financial arrangements
State-level oversight
Constitutional safeguards

This makes the Sixth Schedule an important case study in asymmetric constitutional governance.

Targeting Exams

Assam State-Level Exams

APSC Combined Competitive Examination
Assam Direct Recruitment Examination
Assam Police Recruitment Examinations
Assam Grade III & Grade IV Examinations
Assam TET
Assam Government recruitment examinations

National-Level Exams

UPSC Civil Services Examination
SSC CGL
SSC CHSL
Banking examinations
Railway Recruitment examinations

Teaching Exams

CTET
Assam TET
State Teacher Recruitment Examinations
Social Science Teacher Examinations

Other Competitive Exams

CUET
University entrance examinations
Assam-focused General Studies examinations
Northeast India General Knowledge examinations

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Sixth Schedule?

The Sixth Schedule is a constitutional framework for autonomous administration of specified tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

2. Which Articles provide the constitutional basis for the Sixth Schedule?

The Sixth Schedule operates under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).

3. How many major Sixth Schedule autonomous councils are there in Assam?

There are three major Sixth Schedule autonomous institutions: KAAC, DHAC and BTC.

4. What are the three major Sixth Schedule councils in Assam?

They are the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council and Bodoland Territorial Council.

5. What is the difference between a Sixth Schedule council and a State-legislated autonomous council?

A Sixth Schedule council derives its powers from the Constitution, whereas a State-legislated autonomous council derives its authority primarily from an Assam State law.

6. Which Assam community’s autonomy arrangement resulted in the creation of the BTC under the Sixth Schedule?

The Bodo autonomy process resulted in the creation of the Bodoland Territorial Council under the 2003 constitutional amendment framework.

7. How many members can the Bodoland Territorial Council have?

The BTC can have up to 46 members, comprising 40 elected and 6 nominated members under its special constitutional arrangement.

8. What subjects can Sixth Schedule Councils legislate on?

Specified matters include land, non-reserved forests, shifting cultivation, village administration, inheritance, marriage and divorce and social customs, subject to the constitutional framework.

9. What is the role of customary law in Sixth Schedule areas?

The Sixth Schedule recognises specified customary practices and institutions, allowing autonomous councils to make laws concerning matters such as social customs, inheritance and marriage and to administer certain local judicial matters.

10. Why is the Sixth Schedule important for Assam’s cultural history?

It provides constitutional recognition to forms of local self-government that accommodate tribal customs, land practices, traditional institutions and cultural identity, making it an important part of Assam’s ethnic and cultural political history.

Key Takeaways

The Sixth Schedule provides autonomous administration for specified tribal areas.
It operates under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
It applies to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
Assam has three major Sixth Schedule autonomous institutions: KAAC, DHAC and BTC.
The Sixth Schedule is different from the Fifth Schedule.
It is also different from Panchayati Raj under Part IX.
Ordinary District Councils can have up to 30 members.
The normal council term is five years.
The Governor has important constitutional powers concerning autonomous districts and councils.
Paragraph 3 deals with important legislative powers.
Paragraph 4 deals with administration of justice.
Paragraph 7 deals with District and Regional Funds.
Paragraph 8 deals with taxation powers.
The Schedule recognises matters such as land, shifting cultivation, inheritance, marriage and social customs.
The constitutional history of autonomy in Assam is connected with the Bordoloi Committee/Sub-Committee.
The 2003 Sixth Schedule amendment created the constitutional framework for the Bodoland Territorial Council.
The BTC has a special composition of 46 members.
State-created councils such as the Mising, Tiwa and Deori Autonomous Councils must not be confused with Sixth Schedule councils.
Sixth Schedule institutions are important for understanding ethnic politics, decentralisation, tribal governance and cultural identity in Assam.

Conclusion

The Sixth Schedule represents one of India’s most distinctive constitutional approaches to managing ethnic, cultural and tribal diversity through autonomous governance.

In Assam, its significance extends from the early post-independence autonomous councils in the hill areas to the later creation of the Bodoland Territorial Council. The system combines democratic representation with recognition of customary institutions and provides councils with defined legislative, judicial, executive and financial powers.

For examinations, students should concentrate particularly on Articles 244(2) and 275(1), the four Sixth Schedule States, Paragraphs 1–8, the Bordoloi Committee, the history of the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao councils, the 2003 amendment, BTC composition, and the distinction between constitutional Sixth Schedule councils and State-created autonomous councils.

The Sixth Schedule is therefore essential for understanding the broader themes of autonomy movements, ethnic politics, tribal rights, asymmetric federalism, cultural preservation and decentralised governance in post-independence Assam.

Authoritative External Links

Sixth Schedule – Legislative Department, Government of India — Primary constitutional text covering autonomous districts, regions and councils.
Sixth Schedule – Constitution of India — Detailed provisions on council composition, including the special BTC arrangement.
Government of Assam – Dima Hasao Autonomous Council — Historical development, constitutional basis and administrative structure of the council.
Government of Assam – Dima Hasao District Profile — Information on Sixth Schedule administration, tribal communities and the district’s administrative structure.
Government of Assam – Autonomous Councils — Distinguishes State-legislated autonomous councils from Sixth Schedule institutions.
Government of Assam – Sixth Schedule Constitutional Text — Official provisions concerning legislative and judicial powers of autonomous councils.
India Code – Sixth Schedule Amendment Act, 2003 — Primary legislative source for the constitutional changes establishing the BTC framework.
Prime Minister of India – Bodo Accord and Sixth Schedule Measures — Government information concerning the Bodo settlement and subsequent constitutional arrangements.
North Eastern Council – Sixth Schedule Material — Constitutional and regional background relating to tribal areas of Northeast India.
Assam State Biodiversity Board – Autonomous Councils — Information on biodiversity-management institutions operating within BTC, KAAC and DHAC areas.
Archaeological Survey of India — Official source for archaeological sites and centrally protected monuments relevant to heritage studies.
Assam State Archives — Useful primary-source repository for Assam’s administrative and political history.