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CLAT 2021 21 Year Experienced Team

Autonomous State Within Assam

Recently, a memorandum was submitted to the Centre seeking the implementation of Article 244A which
provides for creation of an autonomous state within Assam.
About:
f A group of Bharatiya Janata Party lawmakers from Assam had submitted a memorandum to the Centre for
the implementation of Article 244A which provides for the creation of an autonomous State within Assam.

f 22nd Amendment of the constitution: Article 244 A was inserted by constitution’s 22nd amendment
Act.
f It sought for creation of an autonomous state within Assam comprising of certain tribal areas
amalgamated into a single unit. These tribal areas will include the hill districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi
Anglong and West Karbi and the Bodo Territorial
Region.
f Separate legislature and executive: It also provides for a separate legislature and council of ministers
in order to make laws and implement it.

f The executive will also be responsible for local administration of areas under it. How are these tribal areas
governed currently?

f The constitution has provided separate rules and regulations for administration of tribal areas under its
Fifth and Sixth Schedule.
f Sixth Schedule: The administration of tribal areas in four states i.e. Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and
Mizoram are covered under sixth schedule of the constitution.
f This schedule includes that tribal population which has not amalgamated in modern societies and has
distinct social and cultural practices.
f Hence, Sixth schedule covers tribal areas of those states which are inhabited by aboriginals.
f Creation of autonomous regions: Article 371 B has provided for formation of autonomous districts which
can further be divided into several autonomous regions.

f According to this three autonomous districts have been created in Assam. These are:
North Cachar Hills District,
Karbi Anglong District and

Bodoland Territorial Areas District.
f Governing councils and powers: Each autonomous district consists of 30 members in which four are
nominated by the governor and the remaining 26 are elected.
f Legislative Powers: The district and regional councils administer the areas under their jurisdiction and
make laws oncertain specified matters such as land, forests, canal water, shifting cultivation, village
administration, , social customs etc.
f All such laws require the assent of the governor.
f Executive Powers: Council can also establish, construct or manage primary schools, dispensaries,
markets, ferries, fisheries, roads e.t.c.
f They are also empowered to assess and collect land revenue and to impose certain specified taxes.

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