AUTONOMOUS COUNCILS: POLITY


AUTONOMOUS COUNCILS: POLITY

NEWS: Assam passes Bills allowing Guv to head autonomous councils if polls late

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The Assam Assembly has passed amendments allowing the Governor to take over the functioning of autonomous councils if elections are delayed beyond the extended term. These amendments affect seven councils and ensure continued governance and self-administration in Assam's tribal areas.

 

Assam Assembly Amendment Bills Related to Autonomous Councils

  • Key Provisions of the Amendments:
  • Governor’s Role: If elections to the autonomous councils are delayed beyond the extended term, the Governor will take over the functioning of these councils.
  • Term Extension: The normal term of the elected councils is five years, with a provision to extend the term by up to one additional year.
  • Assumption of Control: If elections remain "impractical" even after the extended term, the Governor will assume control and oversee the operations of the councils.
  • Autonomous Councils Affected by the Amendments:
  • The amendments impact the following seven councils in Assam:
      1. Mising Autonomous Council
      2. Bodo Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council
      3. Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council
      4. Deori Autonomous Council
      5. Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council
      6. Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council
      7. Tiwa Autonomous Council
  • Autonomous Councils in India:
  • Background: Autonomous councils are special administrative bodies created under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution or through state legislation.
  • Purpose: These councils provide self-governance to certain tribal and ethnic communities, particularly in the Northeast of India, ensuring that their unique needs and rights are respected.
  • Powers:
      1. These councils have legislative, executive, and financial powers in key areas such as:
        • Land
        • Forests
        • Agriculture
        • Village administration
        • Cultural affairs
  • Significance: The creation of these councils aims to protect the rights and interests of indigenous and marginalized tribal communities in these regions.
  • States with Sixth Schedule Autonomous District Councils (ADCs):
  • Assam
  • Meghalaya
  • Tripura
  • Mizoram
  • In these states, the Sixth Schedule provisions apply to certain tribal areas, with each state having multiple Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) to govern specific tribal regions.
  • Membership and Structure of Autonomous Councils:
  • Elected Members: The majority of members are directly elected by the people for a term of five years.
  • Nominated Members: In addition to elected members, the Governor appoints a limited number of members to ensure representation from marginalized and underrepresented communities within the council.

 

Conclusion: The amendments passed by the Assam Assembly empower the Governor to take control of the autonomous councils if elections are delayed beyond the extended term. This highlights the importance of timely elections for maintaining self-governance while also ensuring that these councils continue to operate effectively in the absence of a functioning elected body. These provisions help in ensuring smooth administrative functioning and protecting the interests of tribal communities under the Sixth Schedule.

 

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/assam-passes-bills-allowing-guv-to-head-autonomous-councils-if-polls-late-125030600936_1.html