 "Assam’s CM Sarma promises urgent implementation of 52 recommendations to protect indigenous rights, amid tensions over the Assam Accord’s legacy.")
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced plans to implement 52 recommendations from the Justice Biplab Sarma committee regarding Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, aimed at protecting the interests of indigenous people. The government aims to complete this implementation by April 15, 2024. These recommendations focus on safeguarding the cultural and linguistic identity of Assamese people, including land rights and language protection. While many recommendations can be managed at the state level, others require coordination with the central government. Sarma emphasized that discussions with local organizations will take place monthly to ensure effective implementation by Bohag Bihu. The recommendations will primarily apply to the Brahmaputra Valley, with careful consideration for the Barak Valley and Sixth Schedule regions.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, recently announced that the government plans to implement 52 recommendations from the Justice Biplab Sarma committee. These recommendations focus on safeguarding the rights and cultural identity of the indigenous people in Assam, in line with Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. This Accord, established back in 1985, aimed to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic heritage of the Assamese.
During a press conference, Sarma highlighted that the recommendations would be executed by April 15, with the majority concerning land and language rights. The state cabinet has already discussed 57 out of 67 recommendations, examining measures to protect Assam’s indigenous communities. Notably, the implementation will mainly occur in the districts of the Brahmaputra Valley.
The Chief Minister emphasized that while 52 recommendations could be overseen by the state government, others would need coordination with central authorities. Important recommendations include devising a time-bound action plan to fully execute the 1985 Assam Accord. Furthermore, the government is committed to consulting with local organizations, including the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), to ensure that the planned measures are realized.
Sarma acknowledged that certain recommendations, like reserving seats for Assamese individuals in elections, might present challenges due to the region’s diverse demographics. Thus, consultations will take place before making any decisions regarding their implementation in Barak Valley and Sixth Schedule areas. The Chief Minister assured that the government is proactively working to safeguard the interests of indigenous peoples beyond the committee’s recommendations.
This initiative comes in the wake of significant protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, leading to the formation of the committee back in 2019, with its findings submitted to the previous Chief Minister in 2020. The implementation of these recommendations represents a vital step toward preserving the unique identity and rights of Assam’s indigenous communities.
Tags: Assam Accord, Himanta Biswa Sarma, indigenous rights, Justice Biplab Sarma committee, cultural identity, Assam news
What is Clause 6 of the Assam Accord?
Clause 6 is a part of the Assam Accord that aims to protect the rights of the indigenous people of Assam. It focuses on preserving their culture, language, and land.
What are the 52 recommendations mentioned by the Chief Minister?
The 52 recommendations include various measures to safeguard the interests of indigenous people, such as enhancing their economic development and ensuring their representation in government jobs.
When will these recommendations be implemented?
The Chief Minister has stated that the government plans to implement these recommendations as soon as possible, but no specific timeline has been given yet.
Who will benefit from these recommendations?
The indigenous communities in Assam will benefit the most, as the recommendations are designed to protect their rights and improve their living conditions.
How will the implementation be monitored?
The government is expected to set up a monitoring mechanism to check the progress of the implementation and ensure that the recommendations are effectively carried out.
