The Centre has taken active steps toward finalizing the 125th Amendment to the Constitution of India, aimed at strengthening the powers and autonomy of the tribal councils in the Sixth Schedule areas. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai shared this update with Tripura Member of Parliament Rebati Tripura. The communication signals renewed intent to address the long-pending demand for enhanced self-governance mechanisms for tribal populations in the Northeast and other Sixth Schedule regions.
Nityanand Rai emphasized that the 125th Constitutional Amendment remains a key commitment of the government. He stated that discussions at multiple levels have advanced and relevant ministries are in the final stages of examining the framework that will empower the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with legislative, administrative, and financial authority. These councils play a critical role in preserving the cultural, social, and political identity of tribal communities spread across the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
The minister further highlighted that the proposed amendment intends to update and modernize the powers granted to these councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The provisions of the amendment will ensure greater devolution of funds, authority over local infrastructure, and decision-making capabilities in education, healthcare, forest rights, and land governance. According to sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs, consultations with stakeholders from the Northeast have already been initiated.
Tripura MP Rebati Tripura welcomed the update and urged the Centre to expedite the legislative process so that tribal regions can benefit from increased autonomy and tailored development policies. He argued that many tribal communities in Tripura and neighboring states still face systemic challenges in local governance due to limited financial powers and outdated administrative norms. He reiterated his belief that the 125th Amendment will significantly strengthen the grassroots democratic framework within tribal belts and accelerate socio-economic development.
Political observers note that the renewed push for the 125th Amendment comes at a time when tribal sentiments have been rising across various states. There has been increasing pressure on the government to fulfill its commitments to tribal autonomy, especially amid concerns over resource exploitation, environmental degradation, and loss of cultural identity. The proposed amendment could provide a legal framework to address these issues while ensuring inclusive governance.
In Tripura, tribal leaders and members of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) expressed cautious optimism after learning about the Centre’s plans. They called for immediate consultations with tribal bodies before finalizing the draft bill. Several youth and cultural organizations in Tripura have demanded that the amendment ensure direct funding from the Centre, legislative authority on tribal customs, and protection of land rights.
In the past, the 125th Amendment Bill was introduced in Parliament but lapsed without being passed. With the Centre now reviving the issue, stakeholders expect a more inclusive and focused approach to legislative drafting. Senior officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs are likely to be involved in the process, along with representatives from tribal councils, state governments, and constitutional experts.
The 125th Amendment is not just about administrative adjustments but also represents a deeper move towards recognizing the rights of indigenous populations within India’s constitutional framework. The amendment seeks to offer structural autonomy to regions that have historically felt marginalized, especially in the Northeast.
As the Centre prepares to move forward, Parliament is expected to deliberate on the draft proposal once formalities are completed. If passed, the amendment will mark a historic turning point in tribal governance and set a precedent for participatory democracy in India’s diverse regional landscape.
