Why in news?
The elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council are scheduled for February 21.
- The Autonomous District Council – Have real power to make laws, possibility on the various legislative subjects, receiving grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India.
- The mandate towards devolution, de-concentration and divestment determines the protection of their customs, better economic development and most importantly ethnic security.
- Sixth schedule – Of the Constitution includes 10 autonomous district councils in 4 states. These are:
- Assam – Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council.
- Meghalaya – Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
- Tripura – Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.
- Mizoram – Chakma Autonomous District Council, Lai Autonomous District Council, Mara Autonomous District Council.
- Major Issues – Granting special provisions to certain minority tribal groups have led to further demands by other groups for such provisions under the 6th schedule.
- This has created disparity among the people and resulted in the rise of conflict between various groups.
- In terms of financial autonomy, the members across the ADCs in North Eastern states share the same view that the ADCs are at the mercy of the state governments.
- There exists a huge gap between the approved budget and the funds received from the State Government which has had a direct impact on the development of these tribal communities.
- They are also dependent upon state governments for decisions regarding undertaking of developmental activities in their region.
Reference
The Hindu - Autonomous District Council
