Cabinet approves Constitutional amendment to strengthen Autonomous Councils in Sixth Schedule areas of NE
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 23 2019: The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a landmark amendment to Article 280 and the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution today, said a statement of PIB.

The statement cited that the proposed amendments will significantly improve the financial resources and administrative powers of the Autonomous District Councils of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura.

The statement said that the Finance Commission constituted by Union Government will be specifically mandated to recommend devolution of financial resources to the ten Autonomous District Councils as well as the village and Municipal Councils in the Sixth Schedule areas.

The amendment also provides for constitution of State Finance Commissions in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, said a statement of PIB and added that the amendment will also provide transfer of additional 30 subjects including Public Works Department, Forests, Public Health Engineering, Health & Family Welfare, Urban Development and Food & Civil Supply to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC) and Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council (DHATC) in Assam.

The village councils will be empowered for preparation of plans for economic development and social justice including those in relation to agriculture, land improvement, implementation of land reforms, minor irrigation, water management, animal husbandry, rural electrification, small scale industries and social forestry, it added.

Conveying that there will be reservations of at least one-third of seats for women in the village and Municipal Councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura and at least two of the nominated members in all autonomous councils in the North East Sixth Schedule areas, the statement said that there will be State Election Commissions to conduct election for Autonomous Councils, village and Municipal Councils in Assam, Mizoram and Tripura.

Meghalaya has for the time being kept out of the purview of the said provision.

The statement further maintained that the amendment will fulfil the commitments made under tripartite Memorandum of Settlements signed by Government of India, State Governments of Assam & Meghalaya, United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) and Achik National Volunteers' Council (ANVC) .

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