The idea of 'self-rule' or autonomy to the tribes of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram was envisaged in the sixth schedule of the Indian constitution through the framing of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under articles 244(2) and 275(1). Such ADCs are empowered to exercise their power on legislative, administrative, and judicial affairs. However, ADCs nature and composition differ from place to place in sixth schedule areas of northeast India. It is an accepted opinion at the ground level that after 70 years of its implementation these ADCs have neither been able to do anything of standard in the interest of tribes nor to involve the poor tribes in development activities. In this context, a proper assessment and critical review of the sixth schedule is required in order to understand the idea of autonomy or 'self-rule' and people's participation.