Main industrial applications of rare earth elements:

 MAIN INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS :

1)Lanthanum : in Glasses, ceramics, car catalysts, phosphors, pigments, accumulators, 

2)Cerium:  in Polishing powders, ceramics, phosphors, glasses, catalysts, pigments, 

misch metal, UV filters, 

3)Praseodymium:  in Ceramics, glasses, pigments, 

4)Neodymium:  in Permanent magnets, catalysts, IR filters, pigments for glass, lasers, 

5)Promethium: in Sources for measuring devices, miniature nuclear batteries, phosphors, 

6)Samarium:  in Permanent magnets, microwave filters, nuclear industry, 

7)Europium: in Phosphors, 

8)Gadolinium:  in visualization of images in medicine, optical and magnetic detection, ceramics, glasses, crystal scintillators, 

9)Terbium: in Phosphors, 

10)Dysprosium:  in Phosphors, ceramics, nuclear industry, 

11)Holmium: in Ceramics, lasers, nuclear industry, 

12)Erbium: in Ceramics, dyes for glass, optical fibers, lasers, nuclear industry, 

13)Thulium: in Electron bean tubes, visualization of images in medicine, 

14)Ytterbium: in Metallurgy, chemical industry, 

15)Lutetium: in Single crystal scintillators, 

16)Scandium:  in High-strength Al-Sc alloys, electron beam tubes, 

17)Yttrium: in Capacitors, phosphors, microwave filters, glasses, oxygen sensors, radars, lasers, superconductors.

SPECIFIC USES OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN SMART PHONES:

 

SPECIFIC USES OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN SMART PHONES : 

Praseodymium, Gadolinium and Neodymium :  used in alloys in the magnets in the speaker and microphone of the smart phone

Neodymium, Terbium and Dysprosium :  used in the vibration unit of the smart phone

 Praseodymium and Neodymium :  used in glass to reduce glare

 Cerium (oxide) :  used to polish glass, and to extract color from colored glass

 Europium and Yttrium (oxides): produce the red colors in television screens and smart phone screens.

 Europium a:  used in blue phosphors in electronic screens.

SET:6: PART X AND SIXTH SCHEDULE of Constitution of India (26102025) [Articles 244(2) and Article 275(1)]

 SET:6: PART X AND SIXTH SCHEDULE of Constitution of India (26102025) [Articles 244(2) and Article 275(1)] 

Topic : Notes on Article 244(2) and 275(1) of

Constitution of India  (for G S 

Papers) {Prepared on 26 .10.2025 } 

For Study purpose only 

NB: For any doubts clarification, please refer to the recommended text books 

TOPIC : SIXTH SCHEDULE of Constitution of India for 

UPSC(CSE)(Prelims) Exams. ,2026 

QUESTIONS 

Question: In which Article of Constitution of India, Sixth Schedule is mentioned ? It is in which Part of the Constitution of India? 

Ans : Article 244 (2). It is in Part X with the heading “The Scheduled and Tribal Areas” 

Question: At present, the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India covers which states ? 

Ans : Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram (Paragraph 20 of the Sixth Schedule of Constitution of India ) 

Question: Provisions of the Sixth Schedule shall apply to the administration

of which areas ? 

Anms : The tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya , Tripura and Mizoram 

Question: Article 275(1) is in which Part of the Constitution of India ? Ans: Part XII Finance 

Question: Who shall make rules for the first constitution of District councils and Regional Councils in consultation with the existing tribal Councils or other representative tribal organisations within the 

autonomous districts or regions concerned ?” 

Ans : Governor 

Question: How many paragraphs are there in the Sixth Schedule ? Ans : 21 Paragraphs 

Question: In which paragraph of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India , Tribal Areas are mentioned (as on 26.10.2025) ? 

Ans : Paragraph 20 (Tribal Areas located in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram ) 

Question: If there are different Scheduled Tribes in an autonomous district, , by public notification,who may divide the area or areas inhabited by them into autonomous regions? Ans : Governor

Paragraph No.	Topic
1	Autonomous districts and autonomous regions
2	Constitution of District Councils and Regional Councils
3	Powers of the District Councils and Regional Councils to make laws

4	Administration of Justice in autonomous districts and autonomous regions
5	Conferment of powers, under the *CPC,Cr.P.C., on the Regional and District Councils and on certain courts and offices for the trial of certain suits, cases and offenses.(*as per data upto 2024)
6	Powers of the District Council to establish primary schools etc.
7	District and Regional Funds (CAG is authorized to audit these funds)
8	Powers to assess and collect land revenue and to impose taxes
9	Licences or leases for the purpose of prospecting for , or extraction of, minerals
10	Power of District Councils to make regulations for the control of money-lending and trading by non-tribals
11	Publication of laws, rules and regulations made under the Schedule
12	Application of Acts of Parliament and of the Legislature of the State of Assam to autonomous districts and autonomous regions in the State of Assam
12A	Application of Acts of Parliament and of the Legislature of the State of Meghalaya to autonomous districts and autonomous regions in the State of Meghalaya
12AA	Application of Acts of Parliament and of the Legislature of the State of Tripura to  autonomous districts and autonomous regions in the State of Tripura
12B	Application of Acts of Parliament and of the Legislature of the State of Mizoram to  autonomous districts and autonomous regions in the State of Mizoram
13	Estimated receipts and expenditure pertaining to autonomous districts to be shown separately in the annual financial statement

14	Appointment of Commission to inquire into and report on the administration of autonomous districts and autonomous regions
15	Annulment or suspension of acts and resolution of District and Regional Councils
16	Dissolution of a District or Regional Council
17	Exclusion of areas from autonomous districts in forming constituencies in such districts
18	Paragraph 18 Omitted by the North Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971
19	Transitional Provisions
20	Tribal Areas specified in  Part I  Part II ,  [IIA]  Part III  of the Table below shall respectively be the Tribal Areas within  the State of Assam  the State of Meghalaya  the State of Tripura  the State of Mizoram
20 A	Dissolution of the Mizo District Council (83 o 1971) [w.e.f.24.9.1972]
20 B	Autonomous regions in the Union Territory of Mizoram to be autonomous districts and transitory provisions consequent thereto.  (83 of 1971 ) [w.e.f.29.4.1972]
20 C	Interpretation  (83 of 1971)
21	Amendment of the Sixth Schedule  {It can be done by Parliament )

Questions: 

1)What is the significance of the Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India? 

Ans : 

i)Autonomy and Self-Governance: The Sixth Schedule grants tribal areas a degree of autonomy by establishing autonomous district councils (ADCs) and autonomous regional councils (ARCs). These councils have legislative and executive powers, enabling local tribal communities to manage their affairs independently. 

ii)Resource Management : ADCs and ARCs exercise control over land and

natural resources within their territories. According to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, these councils have helped tribal communities secure their land rights, preventing illegal transfers and ensuring resource management sustainably. 

iii)Cultural Preservation: The limited applicability of the Acts of Parliament and State Legislature to tribal areas and the power of ADCs to make laws on social customs have been instrumental in preserving and promoting indigenous customs and languages. For example : Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) in Meghalaya. 

iv) Conflict Mitigation : The District and Regional Councils are empowered to constitute Village and District Council Courts for the trial of suits and cases where all parties to the dispute belong to Scheduled Tribes within the district. This helps in mitigating conflicts by addressing local issues and grievances. 

v)Protects tribal economic interests : The District and Regional Councils are empowered to make laws for regulations of money-lending or trading by any person other than Scheduled Tribal residents in that Scheduled District. The Councils are given the power to grant licences or leases for extraction of minerals within their jurisdiction’. 

============================================= 

Question: What are the significant provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India ? 

1)As per Article 244(2), Sixth Schedule shall apply to the Administration of the tribal areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripuera and Mizoram 

2)About Autonomous districts and autonomous regions: 

i)The tribal areas in the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram are to be administered as Autonomous Districts. 

ii)If there are different Scheduled Tribes in an autonomous district, the Governor can divide the district inhabited by them into Autonomous Regions. 

iii)The Governor is empowered to organize and reorganize the autonomous districts. He can also increase, decrease the boundaries or alter the name of any autonomous district. 

3)About Constitution of District Councils and Regional Councils: There shall be a District Council for each autonomous district consisting of not more than 30 members, of whom not more than four persons shall be nominated by the Governor, and the rest shall be elected on the basis of adult suffrage. 

There shall be a separate Regional Council for each area constituted an autonomous region. 

4)About the Powers of the District Councils and Regional Councils to make laws: The District and Regional councils are empowered to make laws on certain specified matters like lands, management of forest (other than the Reserved Forest), inheritance of property, etc. 

These councils also empowered to make law for the regulations and control of

money-lending or trading by any person other than Scheduled Tribe residents in that Scheduled District. 

However, all laws made under this provision require the assent of the Governor of the State. 

5)About the Administration of justice in autonomous districts and autonomous regions: The District and Regional Councils are empowered to constitute Village and District Council Courts for the trial of suits and cases where all parties to the dispute belong to Scheduled Tribes within the district. 

The High Courts have jurisdiction over the suits and cases which are specified by the Governor. 

However, the Council Courts are not given the power to decide cases involving offenses punishable by death or imprisonment for five or more years. 

The District and Regional Councils are empowered to assess and collect land revenue and impose taxes on professions, trades, animals, vehicles, etc. The Councils are given the power to grant licenses or leases for the extraction of minerals within their jurisdiction. 

The District Councils and Regional Councils are given the power to establish, construct or manage primary schools, dispensaries, markets, cattle ponds, fisheries, roads, road transport and waterways in the districts. 

To autonomous districts and autonomous regions, the acts of Parliament or the state legislature do not apply or apply with specified modifications and exceptions. 

The Governor can appoint a commission to investigate and provide a report on any issue pertaining to the management of the autonomous districts or regions. 

===================================================== 

Question: Who can appoint a commission to investigate and provide a report on any issue pertaining to the management of autonomous districts or regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram ? 

Ans : Governor of the concerned states 

Question : According to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, how many Autonomous Tribal Districts are there in Assam ? 

Ans : Three viz., 

1)North Cachar Hill District 

2)The Karbi Anglong District 

3)The Bodoland Territorial Area District 

6th Schedule of Indian Constitution States 

Question: According to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, how many Autonomous Tribal Districts are there in Meghalaya ? Ans : Three viz.,

1)Khasi Hills District 

2)Jantia Hills District 

3)The Garo Hills District 

Question: According to Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, how many Autonomous Tribal Districts are there in Tripura? 

Ans : One 

1)Tripura Tribal Area District 

Question: According to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, how many Autonomous Tribal Districts are there in Mizoram ? Ans : Three viz., 

1)The Chakma District 

2)The Mara District 

3)The Lai District 

Question: What are the issues pertaining to the Sixth Schedule ? Ans: 

1)Different tribal populations are kept under a single autonomous council: Within a single autonomous council, there are various tribal populations with various cultures and customs. For example, In North Cachar Hills district, which was renamed Dima Hasao, there are 13 tribes; the major tribal groups are Dimasa, Kuki, Zeme, Hmar and Karbi. 

2)Insufficient allocation of funds: The Members of Chakma, Lai, and Mara Councils are of the view that the funds provided by the Central Government are insufficient and that funds should be distributed to local councils on the basis of their level of backwardness rather than their population. 

3)Inadequate devolution of power: While the Autonomous district councils(ADCs) have been granted significant powers to make laws, the state governments still have a significant role in the administration of these areas, which limits the effectiveness of the ADCs. Inter-tribal conflicts: The ADCs are meant to represent the interests of all tribal communities in a district, but sometimes, the political process of electing members to the ADCs can lead to conflicts between different tribal groups. 

4)Corruption and lack of accountability: In the functioning of the ADCs, there have been allegations of corruption and misuse of funds. Hence, There is a lack of transparency and accountability in their functioning. 

5)Lack of awareness and participation: Many tribal communities are not fully aware of the provisions of the Sixth Schedule and their rights under it. This can lead to a lack of participation in the political process and a limited understanding of the benefits of the ADCs.

Question : What are the Steps to be taken for better 

administration ? Ans : 

1)for Strengthening of Autonomous District Councils: The ADCs should be strengthened with adequate resources, administrative and financial powers, and personnel to ensure effective functioning. 

2) for Removing disparity among council: It is essential to take effective measures for the elimination of disparity among council, state, and central functions so that the provisions established for the Tribal people in the sixth schedule can be effectively implemented for their better future. 

3)for Inclusion of more areas: The scope of the Sixth Schedule should be expanded to include more areas with a substantial tribal population. This would help in protecting the rights and interests of the tribal people and promoting their development. Increase autonomy: The autonomous district councils (ADCs) established under the Sixth 

Schedule should be given more powers to manage their affairs independently. This would help in empowering the tribal communities and promoting their development. 

4)For Encouraging community participation: The involvement of local tribal communities in the decision-making process is crucial for the effective implementation of Sixth Schedule. Regular monitoring and evaluation: 

The government should conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Sixth Schedule. 

The government can establish a body or committee that can monitor all the budget allocation activities in different areas specified under schedule so that such areas can get equal opportunities for growth and development. 

Question: In the District Council , how many members will be there ? 

Anws : There shall be a District Council for each autonomous district consisting of not more than thirty members, of whom not more than four persons shall be nominated by the Governor and the rest shall be elected on the basis of adult suffrage. 

Question: How many members will be there in the District Council for each autonomous district ? 

Ans : Not more than thirty members will be there. (for example : Out of 30, not more than 4 are nominated by the Governor ). For example 26 members ( i.e., 30 - 4 = 26) , will be elected on the basis of adult suffrage . 

Question: Which area people are demanding for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India ? 

Ans : Ladakh

Question: Who is the Chairman of the North-East Frontier (Assam) Tribal and excluded areas committee ?

Ans : Gopinath Bordoloi. This committee is also called as Bordoloi Committee

Question:Who is Shri J.J.M.Nichols Roy ?

Ans : He is a member of the Constituent Assembly from the Khasi Hills. He played a crucial role in shaping the finer details of the Sixth Schedule. Representing the interests of hill tribes, Shri Roy emphasised the need for self-governance and the preservation of traditional institutions.