Karbi Agreement – another milestone in PM’s vision

What is the News?

The Government of India has signed a tripartite Karbi Anglong agreement with five insurgent groups to put an end to years of violence and bring peace and prosperity in the state of Assam.

About Karbi Anglong

Karbi Anglong is the largest district in Assam. The district is administered by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council according to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

The district comprises various tribal and ethnic groups including the Kukis, Dimasas, Garos, Rengma Nagas, Tiwas and Karbis.

This diversity also led to different outfits and fuelled an insurgency that did not allow the region to develop. This agreement hopes to set aside the insurgency.

Key Features of the Karbi Anglong Agreement:

Under the agreement, 5 militant organizations laid down arms and more than 1000 of their armed cadres have given up violence and joined the mainstream society in February 2021.

Development Package: A special development package of ₹1000 crore will be allocated over five years by the Central Government and the Assam Government to take up special projects for the development of Karbi areas.

Greater Autonomy: This agreement will transfer as much autonomy as possible in exercising their rights to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, without affecting the territorial and administrative integrity of Assam.

Protection of Culture: This agreement will ensure the protection of the culture, identity, language, etc. of the Karbi people and all-round development of the region.

Karbi Welfare Council: The Government of Assam will set up a Karbi Welfare Council to focus on the development of the Karbi people living outside the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council area.

Finance: The Consolidated Fund of the State will be amended to meet the resources of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

Source: This post is based on the article “Karbi Agreement – another milestone in PM’s vision” published in PIB on 5th September 2021.