Sixth Schedule Explained: What It Is and Why Ladakh Demands Inclusion

What is the Sixth Schedule?

Under Article 244 of the Indian Constitution, the Sixth Schedule allows for Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in certain tribal areas (currently in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram). These ADCs get legislative, executive, and judicial powers over local matters such as land, forests, water, village administration, social customs, and minor courts. The idea is to grant self-governance to tribal communities, protecting their culture, resources, and environment.

Why Ladakhers want Sixth Schedule status

Challenges & constitutional constraints

• The Sixth Schedule is explicitly meant for certain northeastern states. Currently, no non-Northeast region has this status.
• Some officials argue that applying the Sixth Schedule outside the Northeast might conflict with existing constitutional design.
• For Ladakh to get it, the Parliament would need to pass a constitutional amendment or new legislation.