Autonomous District Council

Autonomous District Council

News: To provide a solution for the ethnic conflict in Manipur, the state government has proposed to grant greater autonomy to the existing hill councils.

Background:
• Unlike other states, Manipur ADCs do not come under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. They are separate administrative entities with dependence on the state legislature.
• Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram and Assam have ADCs.

What are Autonomous District Councils?
• Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution contains special provisions for ADCs, to provide an opportunity for self-governance to tribal people, protect their identity, culture and land, and usher in development in remote regions.
• Article 244 - It provides for the formation of autonomous administrative divisions — Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) — that have some legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within a state.

What are the Governor’s functions vis-à-vis ADC’s?
• The governor is empowered to organise and reorganise the autonomous districts.
• The governor can appoint a commission to examine and report on any matter relating to the administration of the autonomous districts or regions.
• The Governor may dissolve a district or regional council on the recommendation of the commission.

How is administration carried out according to Sixth schedule?
• Membership - Each autonomous district has a district council consisting of 30 members (4 nominated by the Governor and 26 are elected).
• Tenure - Elected Members hold office for Five years.
• Nominated Members - Hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.
• Regional Council - Each autonomous region has a separate regional council.
• The Acts of Parliament or the State Legislature do not apply to autonomous districts and autonomous regions or apply with specified modifications and exceptions.