Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai has informed that the government is working to finalize the 125th Amendment of the Constitution, which aims to empower Autonomous District Councils in Sixth Schedule Areas. This development comes in response to a matter raised by Tripura Lok Sabha MP Kriti Devi Debbarman in the Lok Sabha on December 16, 2024.
Kriti Devi Debbarman had emphasized the need for the timely passage of the amendment. In response, MoS Rai stated that discussions have been held with the concerned states on the recommendations contained in the 223rd Report of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Further action is underway to finalize the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019.
The proposed amendment aims to enhance the powers and autonomy of the District Councils in Sixth Schedule Areas, which would enable them to better manage their local affairs and make decisions that benefit their communities. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in certain states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.