Union Cabinet Approves High Level Committee To Safeguard Assamese Identity And Heritage As Per Assam Accord

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the setting up of a High Level Committee for implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord and measures envisaged in the Memorandum of Settlement, 2003 and other issues related to Bodo community according to a PIB release.

The Assam Accord was signed on 15th August, 1985 ending the Assam agitation that lasted from 1979-1985. The Clause 6 of the Assam Accord had promised appropriate legislative, constitutional and administrative safeguards, shall be provided to preserve, protect and promote the linguistic, cultural, social identity and heritage of the Assamese people.

It has been felt that Clause 6 of the Assam Accord has not been fully implemented even almost 35 years after the Accord was signed. The Cabinet approved the setting up of a High Level Committee to suggest legislative, constitutional and administrative safeguards as envisaged in Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

The Committee will examine the effectiveness of actions since 1985 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. The Committee will hold discussions with all stakeholders and assess the required quantum of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for Assamese people.

The Committee will assess the requirement of measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam, quantum of reservation in employment under Government of Assam. It will also explore measures to protect, preserve and promote social, cultural, linguistic identity and heritage of Assamese people.

The composition and terms of reference of the committee will be issued separately by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is expected that the setting up of the Committee will pave the way for the implementation of the Assam Accord in letter and spirit and will help fulfil longstanding expectations of the Assamese people.