NORTH EAST AUTONOMOUS COUNCILS

Jan. 24, 2019

The Union Cabinet approved a landmark amendment to Article 280 of the Constitution to increase powers of Autonomous Councils in Sixth Schedule areas of North East. A Bill in this regard is expected to be introduced in the upcoming session of Parliament.

Key highlights of recent decision:

State Finance Commissions will be set up in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council.
Finance Commission will recommend devolution of financial resources to ten Autonomous District Councils of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, and village and municipal councils in Sixth Schedule areas for development works in these tribal areas.
Elections:
1. The State Election Commissions will hold elections to Autonomous Councils, village and municipal councils in the scheduled areas of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura.
2. One-third of seats will be reserved for women in the village and municipal councils. At least two nominated members in all autonomous councils will be women.
3. The proposed amendments will have elected village and municipal councils, ensuring grass roots democracy.
The amendment also proposes to rename the existing autonomous district councils as autonomous territorial councils because the jurisdiction of the councils extends to more than one district.
It also provides for transfer of additional 30 subjects, including departments of Public Works, Forests, Health and Family Welfare to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council in Assam.