The elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council are scheduled for February 21.
The Autonomous District Council – Have real power to make laws, possibility on the various legislative subjects, receiving grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India.
The mandate towards devolution, de-concentration and divestment determines the protection of their customs, better economic development and most importantly ethnic security.
Sixth schedule – Of the Constitution includes 10 autonomous district councils in 4 states. These are:
Assam – Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council.
Meghalaya – Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
Tripura – Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.
Mizoram – Chakma Autonomous District Council, Lai Autonomous District Council, Mara Autonomous District Council.
Major Issues – Granting special provisions to certain minority tribal groups have led to further demands by other groups for such provisions under the 6th schedule.
This has created disparity among the people and resulted in the rise of conflict between various groups.
In terms of financial autonomy, the members across the ADCs in North Eastern states share the same view that the ADCs are at the mercy of the state governments.
There exists a huge gap between the approved budget and the funds received from the State Government which has had a direct impact on the development of these tribal communities.
They are also dependent upon state governments for decisions regarding undertaking of developmental activities in their region.
