Revisiting autonomous district councils in North-East India: Relevance and challenges

The spotlight has once again turned to the autonomous district councils (ADCs) as the Meghalaya government has announced the dates for the district council elections, scheduled for 21 February 2025.

- Abhijit Deb

This renewed focus offers an opportunity to examine the relevance and challenges of these unique administrative entities in the northeast region of India.

Autonomous district councils were established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to safeguard the rights, customs and traditions of tribal communities. Envisioned as self-governing bodies, ADCs were intended to bring governance closer to the grassroots, ensuring that the aspirations of tribal communities were met while fostering their integration into the national mainstream.

Currently, there are ten ADCs across seven states in the NE region: Meghalaya: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC); Assam: Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council; Tripura: Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council; Mizoram: Chakma Autonomous District Council, Lai Autonomous District Council and Mara Autonomous District Council.

ADCs possess legislative, executive and judicial powers over specific subjects, such as land, forests, marriage, divorce and inheritance. They can also manage local institutions like schools, markets, dispensaries and roads. Importantly, ADCs have the authority to establish village courts, although their jurisdiction remains subordinate to the concerned High Court.