{"id":16809,"date":"2026-08-19T07:28:22","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T07:28:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/?p=16809"},"modified":"2026-08-19T07:28:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T07:28:57","slug":"autonomous-councils-in-assam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.borthakursiasacademy.com\/blog\/autonomous-councils-in-assam\/","title":{"rendered":"Autonomous Councils in Assam: Sixth Schedule, Types, Powers and Complete List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong> are important institutions of tribal self-governance created to protect the political, cultural, social, and economic interests of indigenous communities. Assam has <strong>three Autonomous Councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India<\/strong>\u2014the <strong>Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC)<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to these constitutional Autonomous Councils, Assam also has <strong>statutory Autonomous Councils established through state legislation<\/strong> for the socio-economic, educational, ethnic, and cultural advancement of different tribal communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The topic of <strong>Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong> is particularly important for <strong>APSC, UPSC, Assam government examinations and other competitive exams<\/strong>, as it connects constitutional provisions, tribal administration, Assam&#8217;s history, regional autonomy and Centre-State relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are Autonomous Councils in Assam?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autonomous Councils are self-governing institutions established to provide a degree of administrative autonomy to tribal and indigenous communities. They allow communities to participate in decision-making concerning local development, land, customary practices, culture and other matters within their jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Assam, Autonomous Councils broadly fall into two categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Statutory Autonomous Councils established under Assam laws<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sixth Schedule councils enjoy constitutional protection and substantially greater legislative, executive, judicial and financial powers than councils created solely through state legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are <strong>three Autonomous Councils in Assam under the Sixth Schedule<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Autonomous Council<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Area\/Administrative Districts<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Constitutional Basis<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)<\/strong><\/td><td>Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri<\/td><td>Sixth Schedule<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)<\/strong><\/td><td>Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong<\/td><td>Sixth Schedule<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC)<\/strong><\/td><td>Dima Hasao<\/td><td>Sixth Schedule<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Assam State Finance Commission identifies these seven administrative districts as the state&#8217;s Sixth Schedule areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)<\/strong> administers the Bodoland Territorial Areas comprising <strong>Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri<\/strong>. It was established in 2003 following the Bodo peace process and functions under the amended Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The BTC has substantial legislative, administrative, executive, and financial powers over specified subjects. The constitutional arrangement provides for <strong>46 members<\/strong>, including <strong>40 elected members and six nominated members<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The headquarters of the Bodoland Territorial Council is at <strong>Kokrajhar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key areas of importance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Protection of Bodo identity and culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local administration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Land and development-related matters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education and social welfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Economic development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preservation of customary practices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The BTC is therefore an important example of negotiated regional autonomy and tribal self-governance in Northeast India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)<\/strong> administers <strong>Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong<\/strong>. Both administrative districts together constitute the jurisdiction of the council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Karbi Anglong has enjoyed autonomous administration under the Sixth Schedule since the early years of the Indian Republic. The constitutional framework provides the council with powers over a range of subjects concerning local administration and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The headquarters of the KAAC is located at <strong>Diphu<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The council plays an important role in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tribal welfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forest-related matters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Land administration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rural development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural preservation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local infrastructure and development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The KAAC is particularly significant in understanding the constitutional accommodation of tribal aspirations within Assam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC)<\/strong> administers the autonomous district of <strong>Dima Hasao<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The council was earlier known as the <strong>North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC)<\/strong>. The autonomous administration was created under the Sixth Schedule to provide a degree of self-governance to the tribal communities of the hill region. The Dima Hasao district administration describes the council as an institution with legislative and executive jurisdiction under the Sixth Schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The headquarters is located at <strong>Haflong<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The council is involved in areas including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Land-related matters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rural development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social welfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local administration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Dima Hasao is one of Assam&#8217;s major tribal-majority hill regions and has a distinctive multi-ethnic and multicultural social composition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is the Constitutional Basis of Autonomous Councils in Assam?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The principal constitutional basis for Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils in Assam is <strong>Article 244(2)<\/strong> of the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Article 244 deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas. The <strong>Sixth Schedule<\/strong> provides special arrangements for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Assam, the Sixth Schedule provides for institutions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Autonomous District Councils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regional Councils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>District Councils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional village institutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The councils are intended to provide institutional mechanisms for self-governance while protecting tribal customs, traditions, land rights and cultural identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Powers of Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most important aspects of <strong>Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong> is their wide range of powers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the Sixth Schedule, Autonomous District Councils can exercise powers relating to <strong>legislative, executive, judicial and financial matters<\/strong>, subject to constitutional provisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Legislative Powers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autonomous Councils can make laws on specified subjects within their jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These may include matters concerning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Land<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forest management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water-related matters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Village administration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marriage and divorce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social customs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inheritance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional practices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact scope of powers is determined by the<a href=\"https:\/\/aasc.assam.gov.in\/sites\/default\/files\/swf_utility_folder\/departments\/aasc_webcomindia_org_oid_4\/menu\/document\/schedule_6.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Sixth Schedule<\/a> and applicable constitutional and state provisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Executive and Administrative Powers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The councils administer various subjects transferred to them and undertake development programmes within their areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rural development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fisheries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public works<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social welfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Handloom and textiles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forest-related activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/dimahasao.assam.gov.in\/information-and-services\/nc-hills-autonomous-council\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Dima Hasao Autonomous Council<\/a>, for example, exercises jurisdiction over a broad range of developmental and administrative subjects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Judicial Powers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sixth Schedule also recognises traditional systems of justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autonomous Councils may establish <strong>village councils or courts<\/strong> for certain disputes involving members of Scheduled Tribes and may exercise appellate powers in specified matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This provision is significant because it allows traditional institutions and customary law to coexist with the formal constitutional system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Financial Powers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The councils also have financial powers that enable them to undertake development and administration within their respective areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The constitutional framework provides mechanisms concerning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Taxes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Revenue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Council funds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial administration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, financial autonomy is an important component of effective local self-governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How are Autonomous Councils in Assam Different from Panchayati Raj Institutions?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autonomous Councils and Panchayati Raj Institutions are both forms of decentralised governance, but their constitutional foundations and purposes are different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Feature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Autonomous Councils<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Panchayati Raj Institutions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Constitutional basis<\/td><td>Sixth Schedule<\/td><td>73rd Constitutional Amendment<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Main purpose<\/td><td>Tribal autonomy and self-governance<\/td><td>Rural local self-government<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Areas<\/td><td>Specified tribal areas<\/td><td>Rural areas generally<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Customary law<\/td><td>Strong constitutional recognition<\/td><td>Not their primary basis<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legislative powers<\/td><td>Significant in specified subjects<\/td><td>Primarily local governance functions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cultural protection<\/td><td>Major objective<\/td><td>Not the primary objective<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sixth Schedule therefore represents a distinctive model of <strong>tribal autonomy within India&#8217;s federal system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Statutory Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all Autonomous Councils in Assam are created under the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Assam government has also established <strong>Statutory Autonomous Councils through state legislation<\/strong> for the social, economic, educational, ethnic and cultural development of different tribal communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These councils are different from Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils because their authority originates from <strong>Acts passed by the Assam Legislature<\/strong>, rather than directly from the Sixth Schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Important statutory Autonomous Councils include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mising Autonomous Council<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tiwa Autonomous Council<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Deori Autonomous Council<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Their primary objectives include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Socio-economic development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Educational advancement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural preservation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protection of ethnic identity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Development of tribal communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotion of traditional customs and practices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils vs Statutory Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This distinction is extremely important for <strong>APSC and UPSC examinations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Basis<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Sixth Schedule Councils<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Statutory Autonomous Councils<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Source of authority<\/td><td>Constitution<\/td><td>State legislation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Constitutional status<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>No direct Sixth Schedule status<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Main objective<\/td><td>Self-governance in specified tribal areas<\/td><td>Community development and cultural advancement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legislative powers<\/td><td>Wider constitutional powers<\/td><td>Powers defined by state law<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Judicial powers<\/td><td>Available in specified areas<\/td><td>Depends on enabling legislation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Examples in Assam<\/td><td>BTC, KAAC, DHAC<\/td><td>Mising, Rabha Hasong, Tiwa, etc.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember:<\/strong> Assam has <strong>three Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils<\/strong>, but it has additional statutory councils created under state laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why Were Autonomous Councils Created in Assam<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The creation of Autonomous Councils is closely connected with Assam&#8217;s ethnic diversity and the historical demand of tribal communities for greater control over their own affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key objectives include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Protection of Tribal Identity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autonomous governance helps communities preserve their languages, traditions, customs and cultural institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Protection of Land and Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Special administrative arrangements provide mechanisms for protecting community interests concerning land and natural resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local Self-Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autonomous Councils allow local communities to participate directly in decision-making and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Preservation of Customary Law<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sixth Schedule recognises the importance of customary practices and traditional institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Balanced Regional Development<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autonomous Councils can formulate and implement development programmes suited to the specific geographical and socio-economic conditions of their areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Importance of Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The importance of Autonomous Councils extends beyond tribal administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They represent an important experiment in <strong>asymmetric federalism<\/strong>, where different regions receive different degrees of autonomy according to their historical, ethnic and geographical circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Assam, Autonomous Councils help address:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ethnic diversity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tribal rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural preservation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regional aspirations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local governance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conflict resolution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participatory development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constitutional accommodation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/finance.assam.gov.in\/sites\/default\/files\/swf_utility_folder\/departments\/agriculture_com_oid_2\/portlet\/level_2\/report_6th_asfc.pdf?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Assam State Finance Commission<\/a> describes the state&#8217;s administrative structure as a distinctive multi-layered arrangement shaped by its ethnic diversity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Challenges Faced by Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite their constitutional and statutory importance, Autonomous Councils face several challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Overlapping Jurisdictions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There can be administrative complexities when responsibilities of the State Government, district administration, Autonomous Councils and other local bodies overlap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Financial Dependence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective autonomy requires adequate financial resources. Limited fiscal capacity can affect the ability of councils to implement development programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Administrative Capacity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autonomous institutions require adequate human resources, technical expertise and institutional capacity to effectively exercise their responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Ethnic and Territorial Aspirations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Assam&#8217;s complex ethnic landscape means that demands for autonomy can sometimes generate competing territorial claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Developmental Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many Sixth Schedule areas are geographically difficult and require substantial investment in roads, education, healthcare, connectivity and employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Autonomous Councils in Assam: Current Affairs Relevance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Autonomous Councils remain relevant to current affairs because they are connected with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tribal autonomy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sixth Schedule<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assam peace accords<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regional governance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constitutional amendments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Centre-State relations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local self-government<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ethnic identity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Development of tribal areas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2026, the Union Government continued to recognise the three Autonomous District Councils of Assam\u2014<strong>BTC, KAAC and DHAC<\/strong>\u2014within the framework of rural local body grants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes <strong>Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong> an important topic not only for static polity but also for current affairs preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Autonomous Councils in Assam for APSC and UPSC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For <strong>APSC preparation<\/strong>, candidates should remember the following points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Number of Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils in Assam:<\/strong> 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Names:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bodoland Territorial Council<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dima Hasao Autonomous Council<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Constitutional provision:<\/strong> Article 244(2) and Sixth Schedule<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. BTC headquarters:<\/strong> Kokrajhar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. KAAC headquarters:<\/strong> Diphu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. DHAC headquarters:<\/strong> Haflong<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. Sixth Schedule areas in Assam:<\/strong> BTR areas, Karbi Anglong\/West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. Statutory councils:<\/strong> Created through Acts of the Assam Legislature<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. Main objective:<\/strong> Tribal self-governance, cultural protection and socio-economic development<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong> are a significant feature of India&#8217;s system of decentralised and asymmetric governance. The <strong>Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council<\/strong> enjoy constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule and play an important role in administering Assam&#8217;s tribal areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, Assam&#8217;s statutory Autonomous Councils demonstrate another model of community-focused governance created through state legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For <strong>APSC and UPSC aspirants<\/strong>, understanding the distinction between <strong>Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils and statutory Autonomous Councils<\/strong>, their powers, territorial jurisdiction and constitutional basis is essential for both <strong>Prelims and Mains<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-coblocks-faq__title\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions on Autonomous Councils in Assam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question\" itemprop=\"name\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__content\"><strong>How many Autonomous Councils are there in Assam?<\/strong><\/div><svg fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19.39 14.99l-1.41 1.41L12 10.43 6.02 16.4l-1.41-1.41L12 7.6l7.39 7.39z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__answer\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Assam has <strong>three Autonomous Councils under the Sixth Schedule<\/strong>: the Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. Assam also has several statutory Autonomous Councils established through state legislation<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question\" itemprop=\"name\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__content\"><strong>Which are the Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils in Assam?<\/strong><\/div><svg fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19.39 14.99l-1.41 1.41L12 10.43 6.02 16.4l-1.41-1.41L12 7.6l7.39 7.39z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__answer\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The three Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils in Assam are: Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC), Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question\" itemprop=\"name\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__content\"><strong>What is the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?<\/strong><\/div><svg fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19.39 14.99l-1.41 1.41L12 10.43 6.02 16.4l-1.41-1.41L12 7.6l7.39 7.39z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__answer\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The Sixth Schedule provides special arrangements for the administration and self-governance of tribal areas in <strong>Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question\" itemprop=\"name\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__content\"><strong>Which Autonomous Council governs Karbi Anglong?<\/strong><\/div><svg fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19.39 14.99l-1.41 1.41L12 10.43 6.02 16.4l-1.41-1.41L12 7.6l7.39 7.39z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__answer\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The <strong>Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)<\/strong> administers Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question\" itemprop=\"name\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__content\"><strong>Why are Autonomous Councils important for Assam?<\/strong><\/div><svg fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__question__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19.39 14.99l-1.41 1.41L12 10.43 6.02 16.4l-1.41-1.41L12 7.6l7.39 7.39z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-faq-item__answer\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>They provide mechanisms for tribal self-governance, protect cultural and customary practices, promote local development and address the political and administrative aspirations of indigenous communities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Autonomous Councils in Assam are important institutions of tribal self-governance created to protect the 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