VAID'S ICS – Best UPSC Anthropology Coaching in Delhi Since 1985

Comprehensive Classroom Course · Admissions openRegister now
+91 93113 37737
  • +91-93113 37737, +91-99999 46748
  • 73(FF), Old Rajender Nagar Market, Delhi - 110060
  • MON to SUN 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Facebook Youtube Instagram
Menu
Enquire Now
Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2020/Paper II/Tribal Development, Policy & Safeguards
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2020 15 Marks Model Answer Available

Sixth Schedule Provisions of the Indian Constitution — 2020 Paper II

Question · 2020 · Paper II · 15 Marks

Describe the provisions under 6th Schedule of Indian constitution.

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question: Describe the constitutional arrangements under the Sixth Schedule for protecting tribal autonomy and customary institutions.
  • Structuring the Response: Cover its geographical scope, Autonomous District/Regional Councils, legislative, judicial, financial and administrative powers.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Sixth Schedule, read with Article 244(2) and Article 275(1) of the Constitution, provides a special system of self-governance for designated tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. It seeks to reconcile tribal autonomy with participation in the Indian constitutional framework.

Territorial arrangement

The Schedule provides for constitution of:

  1. Autonomous Districts, and
  2. Autonomous Regions where different Scheduled Tribes inhabit distinct areas within an autonomous district.

The Governor plays an important role in determining and modifying these administrative units.

Autonomous District Councils

Each autonomous district has a District Council, generally consisting predominantly of elected representatives with limited provision for members nominated by the Governor.

Where several distinct tribal communities inhabit the same district, Regional Councils may also be created.

Thus:

Tribal territory → Autonomous Council → Local self-governance

Legislative powers

District and Regional Councils can make laws, subject to constitutional procedures, concerning matters such as:

  • allotment and use of land;
  • management of forests other than reserved forests;
  • shifting cultivation;
  • establishment of villages and towns;
  • village administration;
  • appointment or succession of chiefs and headmen;
  • inheritance of property;
  • marriage and divorce;
  • social customs.

These provisions enable customary institutions to retain considerable legal relevance.

Judicial powers

Councils may constitute village councils or courts for adjudication of certain disputes involving Scheduled Tribe members.

This allows customary rules and local dispute-resolution mechanisms to function within the constitutional framework.

Administrative powers

District Councils may establish and manage institutions relating to:

  • primary education;
  • dispensaries;
  • markets;
  • roads;
  • ferries;
  • fisheries and other local services,

subject to the specific constitutional and state arrangements applicable to them.

Financial powers

Councils possess powers relating to:

  • assessment and collection of certain land revenues;
  • taxation of houses and lands;
  • taxes on professions, trades and employment;
  • markets, animals, vehicles and other specified subjects.

They may also receive grants and maintain funds for local administration.

Regulation of economic activities

The Sixth Schedule permits councils, within specified limits, to regulate activities such as:

  • money-lending;
  • trading by non-tribals

in order to protect tribal populations from economic exploitation.

Role of the Governor

The Governor has important constitutional powers regarding:

  • creation and alteration of autonomous districts and regions;
  • approval or consideration of council legislation in specified matters;
  • administration and functioning of councils.

Thus autonomy is substantial but not sovereign.

Anthropological significance

The Sixth Schedule recognizes that tribal political organization is often linked to:

  • territory;
  • customary law;
  • clan and village institutions;
  • collective resource management.

It therefore adopts an approach of:

Integration + Autonomy + Protection of cultural distinctiveness

rather than administrative uniformity.

Limitations

Practical challenges include:

  • overlap between state and council jurisdictions;
  • financial dependence;
  • conflicts among ethnic groups within autonomous areas;
  • uneven administrative capacity;
  • demands for greater autonomy by communities outside existing arrangements.

Conclusion

The Sixth Schedule represents a distinctive constitutional experiment in asymmetrical federalism and tribal self-governance, protecting customary law, territorial institutions and local decision-making while integrating autonomous tribal areas within the Indian Union.

2026 Write an account on the contribution of Verrier Elwin in developing policies for the tribal populations in post-independent India. 2026 Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. 2026 Discuss the impact of democratic institutions on the tribal populations of India. 2026 Write an account on Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).

Want feedback on your answer?

Join the Anthropology workshop or get structured answer-writing guidance from VAID ICS.

Join Workshop Contact VAID ICS

UPSC Anthropology Optional 2020 — Paper II

28 questions

1(e) 'Khap' Panchayat

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.1 Indian Village > Traditional village institutions
2020Paper IIVillage India, Urbanisation & Social ChangeModel answer available

5(b) 'Narmada' Man

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.2 Palaeo-anthropological evidences from India > Narmada Man
2020Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(c) Concept of 'Dominant' caste

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.2 Caste system in India > Dominant caste
2020Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationAnswer coming soon

5(e) Concept of Ethnicity

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 The concept of ethnicity
2020Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

5(a) Concept of Sanskritisation

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Sanskritization
2020Paper IIVillage India, Urbanisation & Social ChangeModel answer available

1(b) Debates on 'Aryan' invasion

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Post-Harappan cultures > Aryan debate
2020Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

1(d) Dravidian languages

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 2. Demographic profile of India > Linguistic elements > Dravidian family
2020Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

5(d) Linguistic minorities in India

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.2 Linguistic and religious minorities and their social, political and economic status
2020Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available