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
PYQ trend
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The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to