Guwahati, 29th June: A two-day conference of Assam’s autonomous councils, not covered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, began on Friday with leaders from various communities gathering to discuss governance and empowerment issues.
Leaders representing communities including Rabha-Hasong, Mising, Tiwa, Deuri, Thengal-Kachari, Sonowal-Kachari, Bodo-Kachari, Moran, Mottock, and the Kamatapur area participated in the meet, as per an official statement.
During the inaugural session, Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary highlighted the conference’s objective to strengthen the councils and ensure their effective functioning. He emphasized the need for discussions on formulating operational rules within the legal framework for these councils.
Daimary also announced plans for a forthcoming conference involving the three autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule.
State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of Assam’s scheduled tribes, constituting 17.5% of the state’s population. He outlined measures such as educational reservations and employment opportunities aimed at benefiting these communities. Hazarika stressed the importance of education in shaping the future generations of tribal communities and urged council leaders to maintain integrity and transparency in their roles.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu underscored the councils’ mandate to safeguard and promote the languages, cultures, and economic well-being of the communities they represent.
Cabinet ministers Nandita Garlosa and UG Brahma were also present at the inaugural session, demonstrating the government’s support for the conference and its objectives.
The conference aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among Assam’s autonomous councils, enhancing governance structures and advancing community welfare initiatives across the region.
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