Assam Cabinet Approves Key Measures for Indigenous Rights Under Clause 6

The Assam cabinet has decided to implement 57 out of 67 recommendations from the Justice Biplab Sarma committee on Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. This decision aims to protect the land, language, and culture of Assam's indigenous people, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Implementation Timeline and Scope

The state government plans to implement these recommendations by April 15, 2025. These measures will be applicable across Assam, excluding the Sixth Schedule areas like Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Bodoland Territorial Region, and Barak Valley. Implementation in these areas will require consultation with local authorities and residents.

Clause 6 of the Assam Accord mandates constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to preserve Assamese cultural, social, and linguistic identity. The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 after a six-year anti-foreigner movement. It includes provisions for detecting and deporting foreigners who arrived in Assam after March 25, 1971.

Additional Government Initiatives

The state government has already taken steps beyond the committee's recommendations to protect indigenous interests. "This marks a historic milestone for Assam and stands out as one of the most significant efforts since Independence to protect the rights of the people of the state," said Sarma.

The cabinet also approved an agreement with banks for insurance coverage for employees with salary accounts. This includes Rs 1 crore for death or total disability, Rs 80 lakh for partial disability, and Rs 10 lakh for death due to illness, in addition to usual government compensation.

Economic Development Plans

A proposal to set up a hotel near Tata group's semiconductor unit in Jagiroad was also approved. The council of ministers decided on a 20% bonus for workers of Assam Tea Corporation Limited estates. Additionally, 39 new sub-districts will become functional from October 2.

The cabinet extended the state's industrial and start-up policy to ensure continued industrial growth. They also decided to issue ration cards to an additional 20 lakh people.

Historical Context

The committee was formed in 2019 following protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. The report was submitted in 2020 to then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The cabinet meeting in Lakhimpur was its 18th outstation meet. Several decisions were made regarding projects worth Rs 213 crore for five assembly constituencies in the district to boost heritage and development.

The recommendations that fall under central government jurisdiction will be discussed further. "A decision has been taken to implement 85 per cent of the recommendations and we will take up the remaining with the central government as these fall within its purview," Sarma stated.

In three to four days, the recommendations set for implementation will be announced in Guwahati. A Group of Ministers will discuss these with the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and other organisations.

This comprehensive approach aims to safeguard Assamese heritage while addressing economic development and social welfare needs across the state.