Source: Monthly Policy Review of PRS
Key highlights
- The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes(NCST) has recommended the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas in specific states, all in the North-East.
- The Commission noted that the newly created Union Territory of Ladakh is predominantly a tribal region, with a total tribal population of approximately 97%.
- Further, it was observed that prior to the creation of the Union Territory, people in Ladakh had certain agrarian rights including land rights, which restricted the purchase of land in Ladakh by people from the rest of the country.
- Additionally, the Commission stated that Ladakh has several distinct cultural heritages, which need to be preserved and promoted.
Present states under the 6th Schedule
At present four states Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram are under the 6th Schedule. As per article 244 these areas are called Tribal areas
Effects of inclusion
- In this context, the Commission recommended the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, which will allow;
- Democratic devolution of powers
- Preservation and promotion of culture
- Protection of agrarian and land rights, and
- Enhanced transfer of funds for the development of Ladakh
