NEW DELHI (India): The Indian government has agreed to initiate formal discussions on granting constitutional recognition to the autonomous councils of three indigenous communities in Assam.
These tribes are the Rabha, Mising and Tiwa groups. Amit Shah, Home Minister of India, gave the assurance to delegations from these three communities during a meeting in New Delhi earlier this week. Shah said that the central government would appoint a senior interlocutor to hold structured talks on their long-standing demands. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was present at the meeting. He said that the assurance reflected the government’s intent to address the political aspirations of indigenous communities.
The Rabha Hasong, Mising and Tiwa Autonomous Councils are statutory bodies constituted by the Assam government to promote the social, economic and cultural development of their respective communities. Representatives of these groups have for years demanded inclusion of their councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant greater legislative, administrative and financial powers and provide stronger safeguards over land and resources.
Assam has witnessed multiple movements by tribal groups seeking autonomy, protection of identity and greater control over local governance. While several areas in the state fall under the Sixth Schedule, the three councils continue to function with limited authority. The decision to begin formal talks is seen as a step toward addressing long-pending demands and redefining the governance framework for tribal regions in the state.
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