Guwahati, Jan 29: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the state government’s support for the Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, which aims to empower autonomous councils in the Northeast by increasing their financial resources and decision-making authority. Sarma hinted that the Bill may be taken up during the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
Introduced in 2019, the Bill seeks to amend Article 280 and the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which governs tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. If passed, the amendment would enhance the powers of the Finance Commission to recommend additional funding for the Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils, Village Councils, and Municipal Councils.
Sarma’s statement came during a public gathering celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Bodo Peace Accord, a historic agreement signed in January 2020 between the Union government, Assam, and Bodo militant groups. This accord led to the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), now governed by the 40-member Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
The BTC is scheduled for elections later this year, and the call for greater autonomy has become a central issue in the region. Sarma emphasized that the state government is committed to supporting the constitutional amendment, which is seen as vital for the development and self-governance of tribal areas.
The 10 autonomous district councils (ADCs) in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, which oversee tribal-majority regions, have long pushed for greater financial and executive powers. These councils currently have limited authority but play a crucial role in local governance and development.
Pramod Boro, the CEM of BTC, acknowledged that the Union government does not oppose the amendment to Article 280 but raised concerns that granting such powers to the councils might alter the balance of power between the state and Union governments. Boro also highlighted the insufficient funding and limited taxation powers currently available to the councils.
With the backing of Assam’s government, the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill could play a key role in reshaping governance structures in the region, ensuring better autonomy and resources for tribal areas in the Northeast.
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