Bodo Accord to Include villages contiguous to BTAD

The uniongovernment has finally signed the framework agreement with all factions of theNational Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) ahead of the election to theBodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that no new districts will be included in the Bodoland Union Territory Council. However, the provision 'inclusion of villages contiguous to BTAD' creates another question on this issue. The paragraph of the accord clearly says that the new commission will examine and recommend the inclusion of villages contiguous to BTAD and having majority tribal population, as demanded by Bodo organizations.

The Commission will beappointed under Paragraph 14 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution soonafter signing of the MoS to examine and recommend on the following :

(i) Inclusion ofvillages contiguous to BTAD and having majority tribal population, as demandedby Bodo organisations.

(ii) Exclusion of villagescurrently under BTAD which are contiguous to non Sixth Schedule areas and havemajority non tribal population.

(iii) Increase inconstituencies of BTC upto the maximum of 60 seats after alteration in thearea, without adversely affecting the existing percentage of reservation fortribals.

The Commission will includerepresentatives of the state Government as well as other stakeholders includingABSU and BTC as its members. It will submit its recommendation within sixmonths from the date of notification.