Sixth Schedule and Tribes Autonomy in Northeast India

The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is central to the admin­istrative and political framework of Northeast India. It safeguards the distinct identity, culture, and rights of tribal communities in the hill regions of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. More than seventy five years after its enactment, the effectiveness, relevance, and practical impact of the Sixth Schedule remain subjects of intense debate and analysis. Although the Sixth Schedule has established a consti­tutional framework for self-governance, it has also faced criticism for its institutional limitations, administrative ambiguities, and inconsistent implementation across Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). In light of this, this book advocates for an insightful rethinking that goes beyond cultural preservation and token autonomy, emphasizing the need to address structural inequalities embedded within the system. Through an examination of historical context, policy critique, and grassroots perspectives, this book provides an in-depth understanding of the Sixth Schedule’s framework for tribal autonomy, its ongoing challenges, and potential future trajectories within India’s federal democratic system. This book is divided into four thematic sections: Constitutional Foundations, The Paradox of Autonomy, Asymmetrical Federalism, and Contemporary Challenges. Through these sections, the book critically examines the structural contradictions of the Sixth Schedule and considers pathways toward more meaningful and inclusive futures for tribal communities.