Why in news
- Meghalaya Assembly adopted a resolution opposing uranium mining and processing facilities in the state.
Context and Key Resolution
- The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution against allowing uranium exploration, mining, and processing inside the state.
- Resolution relies on constitutional protections granted under the Sixth Schedule, which reserves land rights for indigenous tribal communities.
Underlying Issues and Constitutional Basis
- Local tribal bodies and environmental groups have long opposed uranium extraction due to radiation hazards, environmental degradation, and health risks.
- Under Article 244(2) and the Sixth Schedule, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) hold land alienation powers, limiting central acquisition without local consent.
Why it matters
- Highlights federal tensions between Union strategic energy priorities (atomic minerals under Union List) and Sixth Schedule tribal land rights.
- Serves as a case study on environmental justice, public health concerns, and resource governance in tribal areas.
Key terms
Sixth Schedule
Constitutional provision under Article 244(2) establishing Autonomous District Councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram to protect tribal land and culture.
Atomic Minerals
Minerals specified under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (like Uranium and Thorium) regulated exclusively by the Central Government for strategic energy.
Prelims facts
- Land rights and resource regulation in Meghalaya are governed through Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule.
Mains discussion
- Examine the constitutional friction between Union authority over strategic atomic minerals and tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule.
Source: Economic Times Politics
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2026 · Q57 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India: 1. Provisions regarding the administration of the Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram are given in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 2. Some tribes of India are entitled to exemption from paying Income Tax on certain incomes. 3. The Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats in Panchayats for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct? -
2018 · Q33 · General Studies · 2 marks
In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the 'International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'? -
2017 · Q28 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations. 2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2026 · Q10 · GS III · 10 marks
Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for Ladakh. -
2015 · Q59 · General Studies · 2 marks
The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to