Govt empowers  autonomous councils in N-E

Govt empowers  autonomous councils in N-E

News:  Union cabinet approved an amendment to Article 280 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Facts:

• The amendment to sixth schedule would increase autonomy, financial resources and powers of the autonomous district councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura.
• Finance Commission would be mandated to recommend devolution of financial resources to the councils. Till now, the autonomous councils have depended on grants from Central Ministries and the State governments for specific projects.
• At least one third of the seats would be reserved for women in the village and municipal councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of Assam, Mizoramand Tripura.
• Transfer of additional 30 subjects including departments of Public Works, Forests etc. to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council in Assam.
• Amendments provide for elected village municipal councils, ensuring democracy at the grass-roots level. The village councils would be empowered to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.
• The State Election Commissions would hold elections to the autonomous councils, village and municipal councils in the areas of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura.
• There would also be an increase in the numbers of seats in these Councils.

A Bill in this regard is expected to be introduced in the upcoming session of Parliament. The amendment will substantially enhance the funds available to these local government institutions for undertaking development works in tribal areas.