Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Indian Polity and governance
Why in News?
The Union government has revoked the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), nearly 6 months after his arrest amid the Ladakh movement seeking statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule.
- Sixth Schedule – Articles 244(2) and 275(1) provides autonomous governance to tribal areas through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
- Objectives – Protect tribal identity, land, and customs and ensure self-governance.
- Applicable areas - Applicable Only in Northeast India – Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.
- Key Features of Sixth Schedule –
|
1.Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)
|
30 members (26 elected + 4 nominated by Governor)
|
|
2. Legislative Powers
|
Land, forests (except reserved), customs, marriage, inheritance.
Requires Governor’s assent
|
|
3. Judicial Powers
|
Village courts for customary law disputes.
|
|
4.Financial Powers
|
Levy taxes, collect land revenue.
|
|
5. Limited Applicability of Laws
|
Parliament/State laws apply only with modifications.
|
Sixth Schedule demand in Ladakh
- Demographic Argument – 97% population are Scheduled Tribes.
- Post-2019 Concerns – After abrogation of Article 370, fear of Land alienation, Job competition, Cultural dilution.
- Environmental Protection – Fragile Himalayan-glacial ecosystem needs local control.
- Demand for Greater Autonomy – Existing councils lack legislative & judicial powers.
Existing Governance in Ladakh
- Union Territory without legislature.
- Two councils - Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council, statutory bodies, not constitutional (unlike ADCs).
Government’s Current Approach
- Instead of Sixth Schedule, Centre proposes:
- Reservation & Domicile –Up to 85% reservation and 15-year domicile rule.
- Article 371-Type - Safeguards like Article 371A and Article 371G
- Strengthening Hill Councils –More administrative & financial powers.
- Proposal for new councils in new districts.
- Cultural Protection – Recognition of local languages (Bhoti, Purgi etc.)
Quick Facts
- Disputed Areas in Ladakh
- Indo - China Border – Aksai Chin, the Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Depsang Plains, Demchok, and the Gogra-Hot Springs region.
- India - Pakistan Border – Shaksgam Valley, Siachen Glacier
References
- The Indian Express | Sixth Schedule in Ladakh
- Ministry of External Affairs| Sixth Schedule
