More Power to Autonomous Councils in Sixth Schedule Areas

The Union Cabinet on January 23, 2019 approved a landmark amendment to Article 280 and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Constitutional amendment aims to increase the financial and executive powers of the 10 autonomous councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of the northeast.

What will Change?

• The amendment will impact a population of about 1 crore tribals living in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• Devolution of Financial Resources: The Finance Commission will be mandated to recommend devolution of financial resources to the councils. Till now, the autonomous councils have depended on grants from Central Ministries and the State governments ....