The Path Less Traveled

In the serene expanse of Ladakh, a movement is gaining momentum—a call for the inclusion of this high-altitude region in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This demand has resonated strongly since Ladakh was declared a Union Territory in August 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370. The Sixth Schedule represents a beacon of hope for the preservation of the unique cultural identity and autonomy of Ladakh’s tribal communities. The Essence of the Sixth Schedule The Sixth Schedule is a distinctive provision within the Indian Constitution that empowers certain tribal regions in the Northeast—namely Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram—to govern themselves through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). These councils possess the authority to legislate on matters pertaining to land, forests, and agriculture, and even establish village courts to adjudicate minor disputes among tribes. It’s a framework designed to safeguard the rights and customs of indigenous populations. P