Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC),

Mizoram Governor V.K. Singh recently imposed Governor’s rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), citing prolonged political instability and frequent leadership changes within the autonomous body.

About the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC):

• Establishment: The CADC was set up in 1972.
• Constitutional Basis: It is an autonomous body operating under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Purpose: Its primary aim is to ensure autonomy in the governance of the Chakma-inhabited belt located in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district.
• Chakma Tribe: The Chakma tribe is an ethnic minority group and the second-largest ethnic community in Mizoram.

Understanding the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution:

• Creation of Councils: The Sixth Schedule provides for the creation of District and Regional Councils in Northeast India.
• Autonomous Regional Council (ARC): An ARC covers a specific tribe within a region of an existing district. An ARC can be elevated to an Autonomous District Council (ADC).
• States with ADCs: As per the Sixth Schedule, four states of Northeast India collectively have ten Autonomous District Councils:
  • Assam
  • Meghalaya
  • Tripura
  • Mizoram
• Powers of ADCs and ARCs: The Sixth Schedule defines the powers of both ADCs and ARCs. They are endowed with certain legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers.
• Rule-Making Authority: The Governor is responsible for making rules regarding the ADCs and ARCs, in consultation with the tribal council or representatives of tribal organizations within the concerned ADC or ARC.
• District Fund: The Sixth Schedule also provides for the constitution of a District Fund for the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
• Distinction from Fifth Schedule: Unlike ADCs under the Sixth Schedule, the Tribes Advisory Councils established under the provisions of the Fifth Schedule are not given the financial power for preparing their own budget.