In which of the following states does the management of tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule apply? i. Assam ii. Meghalaya iii. Tripura iv. Mizoram

The correct answer is i, ii, iii and iv. Key Points The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration of tribal areas in the four northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. This schedule was enacted under Article 244(2) and Article 275(1) of the Constitution to provide a degree of autonomy to the tribal populations in these states, recognizing their unique cultural and social customs. The Sixth Schedule provides for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils, which are vested with legislative, judicial, executive, and financial powers. These councils have the authority to make laws on specific subjects such as land management, forest regulation (other than reserved forests), inheritance of property, marriage and social customs, and the management of primary schools. In terms of judicial powers, the ADCs can constitute village councils or courts to try suits and cases where all parties belong to Scheduled Tribes within the area, though they remain under the jurisdiction of the concerned High Court. The Governor of the respective state plays a crucial role in the Sixth Schedule; they have the power to organize or reorganize autonomous districts, including increasing or decreasing their area or changing their names. Each Autonomous District Council typically consists of 30 members , where 26 are elected on the basis of adult franchise and 4 are nominated by the Governor, serving a term of five years. The Sixth Schedule is distinct because it creates a "State within a State" structure, allowing tribal communities to govern themselves according to their traditional laws while staying integrated within the national framework. Currently, there are 10 such councils: three each in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, and one in Tripura. Additional Information Fifth Schedule: This schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram . Unlike the Sixth Schedule, the Fifth Schedule areas do not have legislative powers and rely more on the Tribes Advisory Council. Article 244: This article is part of Part X of the Indian Constitution, which provides for a special system of administration for "Scheduled Areas" and "Tribal Areas." Bardoloi Committee: The provisions of the Sixth Schedule were based on the recommendations of the North-East Frontier (Assam) Tribal and Excluded Areas Sub-Committee , headed by Gopinath Bardoloi. Inner Line Permit (ILP): This is a separate travel document required by Indian citizens to enter protected states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. While related to tribal protection, it is distinct from the Sixth Schedule's administrative framework. Article 371: While the Sixth Schedule provides administrative autonomy, various parts of Article 371 (like 371A for Nagaland and 371G for Mizoram) provide special provisions regarding the religious or social practices and customary laws of these states.