Sixth Schedule

The Sixth Schedule that embodies autonomy has its own shortcomings; breakdown of laws, elections not being contested and rather than empowerment there is exclusion that fails to provide much-needed protection to tribes in the absence of political will. Also, there are lack of courts at village and other levels in some District Councils and there is too much dependence on governments for financial grants, and allotments, etc.

Still, owing to greater autonomy, many tribal regions aspire to be governed by the 6th rather than the 5th Schedule. All the issues mentioned above have arisen out of the developmental deficit in the region and the poor implementation of the constitutional provisions. Hence, the need of the hour is to address the issues with a holistic approach rather than a piecemeal approach.