Autonomous District Councils

August 28, 2023

GS Paper II Indian Polity and Governance

Context:

To provide a solution for the ethnic conflict in Manipur, the state government has proposed to grant greater autonomy to the existing hill councils, without compromising the territorial integrity of the state.

Manipur Autonomous District Councils

Unlike other states, Manipur ADCs do not come under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
They are separate administrative entities with dependence on the state legislature.

About Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)

Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution: It contains special provisions for ADCs, to provide an opportunity for self-governance to tribal people, protect their identity, culture and land, and usher in development in remote regions.
Article 244: It provides for the formation of autonomous administrative divisions — Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) — that have some legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within a state.
- It contains provisions regarding the Administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas.
Presently, there are a total of ten ADCs in the four states:
- Assam: North Cachar Hills District, Karbi Anglong District and Bodoland Territorial Areas.
- Meghalaya: Khasi Hills District, Jaintia Hills District and Garo Hills District.
- Tripura: Tripura Tribal Areas District.
- Mizoram: Chakma District, Mara District, and Lai District.
Governor’s Functions:
- S/he is empowered to organise and re-organise the autonomous districts.
- S/he can appoint a commission to examine and report on any matter relating to the administration of the autonomous districts or regions.
- S/he may dissolve a district or regional council on the recommendation of the commission.
Features of Administration according to the Sixth Schedule:
- Membership: Each autonomous district has a district council consisting of 30 members (4 nominated by the Governor and 26 are elected).
- Tenure:
  - Elected Members: Five years.
  - Nominated Members: Hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.
- Regional Council: Each autonomous region has a separate regional council.
- The Acts of Parliament or the State Legislature: They do not apply to autonomous districts and autonomous regions or apply with specified modifications and exceptions.