Geopolitical Borders and Socio-Economic Realities: A Comparative Assessment of the Mara (MADC), Lai (LADC), and Chakma (CADC) Autonomous District Councils in Mizoram

The southern frontier of Mizoram houses a unique constitutional triad under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, comprising the Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC), the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC), and the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC). Formed through the 1972 trifurcation of the erstwhile Pawi-Lakher Regional Council, these three administrative entities manage localized tribal affairs. This study presents a comparative empirical evaluation of MADC, LADC, and CADC across multiple perspectives: geographic layout and international border configurations, demographic profiles, socio-economic index achievements, and fiscal performance capacities. The analysis highlights how variations in spatial topology, ethnic compositions, and historical trajectories influence governance outcomes and regional development across southern Mizoram.