Autonomous District Councils
Why in News?
A high-level delegation from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) met with the Union Home Minister on March 19, 2026, to reiterate demands for Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh.
Key Features
- Constitutional Basis: Established under Articles 244(2) and 275(1) (Sixth Schedule), primarily for tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (often called the "ATM2" states).
- Composition: Most councils consist of up to 30 members (26 elected and 4 nominated by the Governor). The Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam is an exception with 46 members.
- Legislative Powers: They can make laws on subjects like land, forest management (excluding reserved forests), inheritance, marriage, and social customs.
- Judicial Authority: Councils can establish Village Courts to try civil and criminal cases between Scheduled Tribe members, though they cannot award the death penalty or life imprisonment.
- Financial Powers: ADCs have the power to levy certain taxes (e.g., on professions, vehicles, and markets) and receive grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India.
- Governor's Role: The Governor has the power to organize/reorganize districts, alter names, and even dissolve a council if its administration is found lacking after a commission of inquiry.
ADCs under the Sixth Schedule
| State |
Autonomous District Council |
| Assam |
Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council |
| Meghalaya |
Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Garo Hills Autonomous District Councils |
| Mizoram |
Chakma, Lai, and Mara Autonomous District Councils |
| Tripura |
Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council |
|
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