No proposal to implement Panchayat system in Sixth Schedule areas of Assam
Part of: GS Prelims and GS – II – Constitution
In news
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the Lok Sabha that “presently, there is no proposal to implement panchayat system in Sixth Schedule areas of Assam”.
Important value additions
Sixth Schedule of the Constitution
It protects tribal populations and provides autonomy to the communities through creation of autonomous development councils that can frame laws on land, public health, agriculture and others.
Presently, 10 autonomous councils exist in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
Specified tribal areas of Assam: North Cachar Hills, Karbi Anglong and the Bodoland Territorial Area
Specified tribal areas of Meghalaya: Khasi Hills, Jaintiya Hills and Garo Hills
Tribal Areas in Tripura
Specified tribal areas of Mizoram: Chakma, Mara and Lai districts
Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019
In January 2019, the Union Cabinet approved amendments to increase the financial and executive powers of the autonomous councils.
The Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019, was subsequently introduced in the Rajya Sabha in February 2019, that provides for elected village municipal councils.
The Bill that is still active proposes that the State Election Commissions would hold elections to the autonomous councils, village and municipal councils.
