Northeast Autonomous Councils Collectively Push for 125th Amendment Bill

Leaders at the conference underscored the urgency of this amendment, which they believe is crucial for the development and autonomy of their respective regions

In a significant move to push for the 125th Amendment of the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, the first Conference of Autonomous Councils and District Councils established under the 6th Schedule was held in Shillong today.

The conference brought together 10 Autonomous Councils from across the Northeast, marking a united front in their long-standing demand for the 125th Amendment Bill for enhanced financial and administrative powers.

The bill was introduced in Parliament back in February 2019 and seeks to amend provisions related to the Finance Commission (Article 280) and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, thereby empowering the Autonomous Councils with greater financial and executive powers.

Leaders at the conference underscored the urgency of this amendment, which they believe is crucial for the development and autonomy of their respective regions.

Speaking to media persons, Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Debbarma who has been fighting for the rights of the tribals and the indigenous people of Tripura and northeast said, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured us that within one month he will form a committee and solve our problems. He has to respect the commitment or else we will have to put pressure in our own way which may not be the best. So, I once again urge the Government of India to honour its own words so that rights of our people are honoured. Today’s agenda was also to form a committee. We formed a committee under the chief convener. All the district council members are party to this committee and we will give it an official structure. And if required, if we have to agitate, if we have to negotiate, we will do it as a joint working group.”

Pradyot Debbarma also announced the formation of a committee led by Pyniaid Sing Syiem, the chief convenor of all 10 Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Territorial Councils in the Northeast. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and collaboration among the councils to safeguard the region’s interests. Debbarma said that the committee will provide an official structure to address the region’s issues collectively.

Additionally, Debbarma mentioned the establishment of the Tirot Sing Memorial School in North Tripura and the allocation of land in Tripura for the construction of a Bhawan by the three district councils of Meghalaya.

Discussions also centered around securing a fair share of state and GST revenues for the Autonomous Councils, a demand that has been consistently raised by the Autonomous Councils.

Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council was among the leaders who attended the conference. Richard Tokbi, Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, represented CEM Tuliram Ronghang.

The 6th Schedule of the Constitution, which was passed by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It was designed to safeguard the rights of the tribal population in these states by granting limited autonomy to these regions. Today’s conference is seen as a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to enhance this autonomy and address the unique challenges faced by these areas.

As the conference concluded, the participants expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to achieve their shared goals of empowerment and self-governance. The conference served as a platform for representatives to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, with a common goal of achieving greater autonomy and development.

Earlier on July 22, Chief Executive Members (CEMs) of the 10 autonomous district councils of the Northeast held a meeting in New Delhi to build a consensus for the 125th Amendment Bill of the 6th Schedule.

Representatives of 10 Autonomous District Councils and Territorial Councils of Northeast met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi where it was decided that the Centre will form a three-member committee headed by MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai to look into the demands of the 10 autonomous councils of Northeast.

COMMENTS