The 125th Constitution Amendment Bill has once again come into focus in Mizoram, with BJP leaders seeking early action on the long-pending legislation aimed at strengthening the powers and financial autonomy of the state’s three Sixth Schedule Autonomous District Councils — Lai, Mara and Chakma. The demand comes amid continuing concerns over funding, administrative powers and development in the councils.
The Bill, introduced in the Rajya Sabha in February 2019, proposes changes to the constitutional framework governing tribal autonomous councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. It was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs and has remained pending for several years.
BJP renews demand for the 125th Constitution Amendment Bill
Mizoram BJP leaders have repeatedly raised the issue with the Centre, arguing that stronger constitutional and financial provisions are needed for the three autonomous councils in the state.
In March 2025, Mizoram BJP president Vanlalhmuaka, along with party legislators and leaders of the Mara and Chakma councils, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Aizawl. Among their demands was the expeditious implementation of the proposed constitutional changes concerning the three autonomous councils.
The renewed push reflects the BJP’s broader position that the councils should receive greater administrative and financial powers to improve governance in their respective areas.
The demand also has a longer political background. In 2021, Mizoram BJP leaders had urged the Centre to amend the Sixth Schedule and provide greater powers to the autonomous councils. The party had also criticised the then Mizoram government’s position on the proposed constitutional amendment.
Why the bill matters to Mizoram councils
The 125th Constitution Amendment Bill seeks to strengthen the institutional framework of Sixth Schedule councils. The proposed changes include provisions relating to Village and Municipal Councils and changes to the financial arrangements of autonomous councils.
The Sixth Schedule applies to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram under Articles 244(2) and 275(1) of the Constitution. It provides autonomous councils with legislative, executive and judicial responsibilities in specified areas.
For Mizoram, the issue is particularly significant because the state has three such councils — the Lai Autonomous District Council, Mara Autonomous District Council and Chakma Autonomous District Council.
The councils were created as part of the constitutional system designed to provide a measure of self-governance to tribal communities. The Chakma council, for instance, traces its establishment to April 29, 1972, when the former Pawi-Lakher Regional Council was divided into the Chakma, Lai and Mara autonomous councils.
Funding remains a major concern
Financial autonomy has emerged as one of the most pressing issues for the councils. The Chakma Autonomous District Council has repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate and delayed funding.
In May 2025, a CADC delegation met Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh and highlighted a continuing shortfall in salary allocations. The council cited recommendations of the Mizoram State Finance Commission and sought intervention over its financial difficulties.
The issue remained relevant in 2026. In May, the BJP’s CADC unit sought the release of more than ₹63.77 crore in pending salaries for council employees, arguing that inadequate state funding had created serious administrative difficulties.
These financial concerns have strengthened the argument for a more robust constitutional mechanism for funding Sixth Schedule councils.
Councils seek greater autonomy and development support
The demand for the Bill is also linked to wider development challenges. Representatives of the three Mizoram councils have previously highlighted shortages in funds, healthcare, education and infrastructure.
In 2022, representatives of the Lai, Mara and Chakma councils submitted a joint memorandum to a National Commission for Scheduled Tribes delegation. They sought assistance under Articles 275(1) and 280 and urged consideration of the 125th Amendment Bill to enhance the councils’ powers.
More recently, the CADC has continued to seek additional central support for infrastructure and development. Its representatives have pointed to poor road connectivity, low literacy and inadequate higher education and healthcare facilities as major challenges.
The situation has made the question of stronger financial and administrative powers an important issue for the councils.
A long-pending constitutional reform
The 2019 Bill has remained pending despite repeated demands from Sixth Schedule councils across the Northeast. In July 2024, chief executive members of all 10 Sixth Schedule councils came together to press for its passage, prompting the Union government to consider mechanisms for addressing their concerns.
In November 2025, representatives of 10 Sixth Schedule councils again joined calls for Parliament to pass the legislation, underlining how long the proposed reforms have remained unresolved.
For Mizoram, the BJP’s renewed push places the Lai, Mara and Chakma councils at the centre of the debate over Sixth Schedule reform. With funding and administrative capacity continuing to shape governance in the councils, supporters argue that stronger constitutional backing could provide a more stable framework for local development.
The demand for early action therefore extends beyond party politics. It concerns the future functioning of Mizoram’s three autonomous councils and their ability to exercise the responsibilities provided to them under the Sixth Schedule. Any movement on the long-pending Bill could have significant implications for local governance, financial devolution and development across the council areas.
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