Q. With reference to District Councils for the administration of Autonomous Districts, under the Sixth schedule of the constitution, consider the following statements:
1. The constitution mandates that a District Councils must be represented by the elected members only.
2. They are prohibited by Constitution from being involved in any judicial matters.
3. They are empowered to assess and collect land revenue as well as to impose certain taxes.
How many of the above given statements are incorrect?
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Constitution (sixth schedule) creates a District council represented both by the elected members as well as nominated members to administer autonomous districts in the State. Each autonomous district has a district council consisting of 30 members, of whom four are nominated by the governor and the remaining 26 are elected on the basis of adult franchise.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Sixth schedule of the constitution empowers district councils (and regional councils) within their territorial jurisdictions to constitute village councils or courts for trial of suits and cases between the tribes. They also hear appeals from them; thus, sixth schedule does not prohibit District councils (and regional councils) to involve in judicial functions.
Statement 3 is correct: It is true that district councils are empowered to assess and collect land revenue as well as to impose certain taxes. The district council can establish, construct or manage matter related to primary schools, dispensaries, markets, ferries, fisheries, roads etc., within their territorial jurisdiction.
| Important Tips • The sixth schedule of the Constitution of India contains provisions related to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. • Further the Sixth Schedule provides for the creation of autonomous District Councils by the Governor to work for the advancement of tribal communities in such areas. • The sixth schedule of the constitution states that if there are different tribes in an autonomous district, then the governor can divide the district into several autonomous regions. • Autonomous regions are carved out of Autonomous districts by the Governor to ensure representation of homogeneous sections of tribal communities. |
