Consider the following statements regarding the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India: I. Areas governed under the Sixth Schedule are distinct from the “Scheduled Areas” referred to in the Fifth Schedule. II. Parliament is empowered to amend certain provisions of the Sixth Schedule by a simple majority, and such changes are not treated as constitutional amendments under Article 368. III. At present, the Sixth Schedule provisions apply to specified tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Option D. Key Points The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India provides for the administration of tribal areas in certain northeastern states through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). It aims to protect tribal autonomy, customary laws, and local governance structures in these regions. The Sixth Schedule areas are different from the “Scheduled Areas” under the Fifth Schedule. The Fifth Schedule applies mainly to tribal areas in other parts of India, whereas the Sixth Schedule provides greater autonomy through elected Autonomous District Councils in the Northeast. Hence, Statement I is correct. The Constitution allows Parliament to amend certain provisions of the Sixth Schedule by a simple majority, unlike most constitutional amendments that require the procedure under Article 368. Such amendments are therefore not treated as formal constitutional amendments. Hence, Statement II is correct. Currently, the Sixth Schedule applies to specified tribal areas in four northeastern states — Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. These areas are administered through Autonomous District Councils and Regional Councils with legislative, administrative, and judicial powers in certain subjects. Hence, Statement III is correct. Thus, Statements I, II and III are correct → Option D. Additional Information The Sixth Schedule was incorporated in the Constitution to protect the political and cultural rights of tribal communities in the Northeast. Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under the Sixth Schedule have powers to make laws on subjects such as: Land use and land allotment Forest management (excluding reserved forests) Customary laws and social practices Village administration Examples of major Autonomous District Councils include: Bodoland Territorial Council (Assam) Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (Meghalaya) Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Coun cil Chakma Autonomous District Council (Mizoram) Unlike the Fifth Schedule, where the Governor plays a major administrative role, the Sixth Schedule provides greater legislative and executive autonomy to elected tribal councils.