Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, known from film ‘3 Idiots’, recently sat on hunger strike to demand for Ladakh's inclusion in the 6th Schedule
Ladakh's inclusion in the 6th Schedule will help to ensure its environmental and cultural protection
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution gives specific tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram autonomous administrative powers to empower indigenous communities
The Schedule allows for autonomous district councils (ADCs) in these regions, enabling local governance and preservation of tribal culture
It includes specific areas in four states, with the Governor playing a key role in determining council territories and rules, in consultation with tribal representatives
District and Regional Councils formed under the Sixth Schedule can legislate on land use, forest management, agriculture, village council formation, and social customs within their territories
The Governor plays a pivotal role in defining the territories of these councils and establishing their legislative rules in consultation with tribal representatives
While the councils hold legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers, the extent of these powers can vary across states, requiring the Governor's assent for laws to take effect
Aimed at protecting tribal autonomy and heritage, the Sixth Schedule ensures these communities can uphold their traditions separately from the mainstream
Wangchuk's campaign highlights the importance of recognizing and preserving the unique identities of India's indigenous tribal communities