Assam Amends Law on Statutory Autonomous Councils

Assam Amends Law on Statutory Autonomous Councils

The Assam Assembly has passed new bills that grant the governor the authority to take control of statutory autonomous councils if elections are delayed after their extended term. The councils affected by this amendment include the Mising, Thengal Kachari, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Rabha Hasong, and Tiwa councils. The amendment allows a one-year extension (two six-month terms) before the governor can intervene.

Governance of Tribal Areas

Statutory Autonomous Councils:

• These councils are established by state legislatures through specific Acts.
• They are also present in Manipur, with six councils there.
• Objective: To promote the social, economic, educational, ethnic, and cultural development of tribal communities.
• Powers in Assam: These councils hold executive control over 34 subjects, such as cottage industries, land, and education.

Constitutional Autonomous Councils:

• Under the 6th Schedule (Article 244) of the Constitution, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) are established in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
• If multiple tribes reside in an autonomous district, the governor can create an autonomous region, establishing a corresponding regional council.
• In Assam, the three Autonomous District Councils are the Bodoland Territorial Council, Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong.
• Composition: Each council can have up to 30 members, with four nominated by the governor and the rest elected. The Bodoland Territorial Council is an exception, with 46 members.
• Term: Councils serve for five years.
• Powers: These councils have legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers.
• Governor's Power: The governor can create or modify autonomous districts.
• Total ADCs: There are 10 ADCs across four states.

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