Autonomous administrative divisions of India


The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India allows for the formation of autonomous administrative divisions which have been given autonomy within their respective states. Most of these autonomous district councils are located in North East India but two are in the Ladakh region of Northern India. Presently, 10 Autonomous Councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura are formed by virtue of the Sixth Schedule with the rest being formed as a result of other legislation.

Powers and competencies

Executive and legislative powers

Under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, autonomous district councils can make laws, rules and regulations in the following areas:
Autonomous district councils have powers to form courts to hear cases where both parties are members of Scheduled Tribes and the maximum sentence is less than 5 years in prison.

Taxation and revenue

Autonomous district councils have powers to levy taxes, fees and tolls on; building and land, animals, vehicles, boats, entry of goods into the area, roads, ferries, bridges, employment and income and general taxes for the maintenance of schools and roads.

List of autonomous administrative divisions

Autonomous district councils operating under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India are shown in bold.
State/Union TerritoryAutonomous CouncilHeadquartersDistricts / Subdivisions
AssamBodolandKokrajharBaksa, Chirang, Kokrajhar, Udalguri
AssamDeoriNarayanpurLakhimpur
AssamNorth Cachar Hills HaflongDima Hasao
AssamKarbi AnglongDiphuKarbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong
AssamMisingDhemajiDhemaji
AssamRabha HasongDudhnoiKamrup Rural, Goalpara
AssamSonowal KachariDibrugarh
AssamThengal KachariTitabar
AssamTiwaMorigaon
LadakhKargilKargilKargil
LadakhLehLehLeh
ManipurChandelChandel
ManipurChurachandpurChurachandpur
ManipurSadar HillsKangpokpiSaikul, Saitu and Sadar Hills West subdivisions of Kangpokpi district
ManipurSenapatiSenapati
ManipurTamenglongTamenglong
ManipurUkhulUkhrul
MeghalayaGaro HillsTuraEast Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills
MeghalayaJaintia HillsJowaiEast Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills
MeghalayaKhasi HillsShillongWest Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi
MizoramChakmaKamalanagarTuichawng subdivision
MizoramLaiLawngtlaiLawngtlai subdivision, Sangau subdivision
MizoramMaraSiahaSiaha subdivision, Tipa subdivision
TripuraTripura Tribal AreasKhumulwng
West BengalGorkhalandDarjeelingDarjeeling, Kurseong and Mirik subdivisions of Darjeeling district, Kalimpong district

''De facto'' self-governing areas

North Sentinel Island

is situated in the island chain of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which is a union territory of India. It is home to the Sentinelese people, who are some of the world's last uncontacted peoples. They reject any contact with other people and are among the last people to remain virtually untouched by modern civilization. There has never been any treaty with the people of the island nor any record of a physical occupation.
The local government has stated that they have no intention to interfere with the Sentinelese's lifestyle or habitat. Although the island is likely to have suffered seriously from the effects of the December 2004 tsunami, the survival of the Sentinelese was confirmed when, some days after the event, an Indian government helicopter observed several of them, who shot arrows at the hovering aircraft to repel it.
Although this has not been done with any formal treaty, the official policy of minimal interference has ensured that they have de facto autonomy and sovereignty over their island under the framework of the Indian and local governments.