Assam Government to Implement Key Accord Recommendations

Why in the news?

The Assam government is moving forward to implement 52 recommendations of the Justice Biplab Sarma Committee on Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, pending constitutional amendments for 15.

Key Recommendations for Implementation by 2025:

  • The state government will implement recommendations regarding language, land, and cultural heritage.
  • Measures include creating revenue circles where only “Assamese people” can own land and keeping Assamese as the official state language with provisions for local languages in certain regions.
  • A time-bound program will allot land titles to Assamese people without proper land documents.

Recommendations Left Out and Pending at Centre

  • Sensitive recommendations like introducing an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and reserving 80-100% of seats in Parliament, the state Assembly, and government jobs for Assamese people were left out.
  • The Assam government plans to urge the Centre to discuss the pending 15 recommendations with AASU.

Assam Government

Assam Accord (1985) Overview: Key Points

  • Parties Involved: Signed by AASU, AAGSP, and Central and State Governments.
  • Cut-off Date:
    • 1st January 1966: Citizenship granted for those entering Assam before this date.
    • 1st January 1966 – 24th March 1971: Foreigners detected and deleted per Foreigners Act,
    • After 25th March 1971: Foreigners expelled as per the law.
  • Clause 6: Constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect Assamese cultural, social, and linguistic identity.
  • Definition of Assamese People: Stakeholders need to define “Assamese people” for protection under Clause 6.

Justice Biplab Sarma Committee: Key Points

  • Appointment: Formed by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2019 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord amidst anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests.
  • Committee Structure: 14-member team led by retired Justice Biplab Sarma.
  • Recommendations: The committee made 67 recommendations.
  • State Government’s Role: Assam State Government to implement 57 recommendations (85%) within its jurisdiction.
  • Central Government’s Role: The remaining 10 recommendations fall under the Central Government’s purview and will be discussed with New Delhi.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times