Assam Amends Law on Statutory Autonomous Councils | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Assam Amends Law on Statutory Autonomous Councils

Posted 07 Mar 2025

2 min read

Assam Assembly passed bills allowing the governor to take control of statutory autonomous councils if elections are delayed after their extended term. 

  • The councils affected include Mising, Thengal Kachari, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Rabha Hasong, and Tiwa. 
  • The amendment allows a one-year extension (two six-month terms) before governor intervention.

Governance of Tribal Areas

Statutory Autonomous Councils

  • Established by States through Acts passed by the State Legislature.
    • Also present in Manipur (six councils).
  • Objective: Social, economic, educational, ethnic, and cultural development of tribal communities.
  • Powers in Assam: Executive control over 34 subjects (e.g., cottage industries, land, 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 in any autonomous districts more than one tribe reside then governor can carve out autonomous region and respective autonomous regional council is established. 
  • Composition: Up to 30 members (4 nominated by the governor, rest elected). 
    • Exception: Bodoland Territorial Council can have 46 members.
  • Term: 5 years.
  • Powers: They have legislative, executive, judicial and financial powers.
  • Governor’s Power: Can create or modify autonomous districts.
  • Total ADCs: 10 across 4 states.
    • Bodoland Territorial Council, Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong are the 3 Autonomous District Council in Assam 
  • Tags :
  • Autonomous Councils
  • Tribal Areas
  • 6th Schedule
  • Article 244
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