Dipak Kurmi
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com.)
The recent agreement between the Assam government and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) to implement 38 out of 52 recommendations of the Justice (Retd.) Biplab Sharma Committee marks a watershed moment in Assam’s long-standing quest to safeguard its indigenous identity. This development, centred around Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, promises substantial constitutional, legislative, and administrative reforms aimed at protecting Assamese culture, language, and land rights.
Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, signed in 1985 following the Assam Movement (1979–1985), mandates special constitutional safeguards to protect, preserve, and promote the identity of the Assamese people. The movement itself was a result of prolonged agitation against the influx of undocumented immigrants, which Assamese nationalists believed posed an existential threat to the socio-political and cultural fabric of the state. However, despite the Accord’s signing, the execution of its key provisions remained largely unfulfilled for decades. The recent dialogue between the Assam government and AASU signals a decisive shift toward actualizing these long-delayed promises.
Land Rights and Protection of Indigenous Ownership
One of the most pivotal aspects of the agreement is safeguarding land rights for Assam’s indigenous communities. The government has decided to designate certain revenue circles modelled after tribal belt blocks, where only individuals who have resided for at least three generations or since 1951 will be eligible to purchase land. This step is a direct response to concerns over demographic shifts and land alienation, which have been at the heart of Assamese political discourse for decades. Additionally, a comprehensive survey of sar (riverine) areas will be conducted to identify illegal settlements. The chief minister clarified that while surveys will proceed, settlement policies will be formulated later through extensive consultations with AASU and other stakeholders. Such a survey is crucial, given that many of these areas have witnessed large-scale encroachments. The government has also announced the establishment of a dedicated tribunal to resolve land ownership disputes, ensuring a legal framework that prioritises indigenous claims.
To balance economic growth with indigenous rights, the government will differentiate between prime agricultural land and non-agricultural land. Agricultural land will be protected from indiscriminate commercialisation, and conversion for industrial or commercial use without government approval will be restricted. This move is expected to prevent large-scale acquisitions by corporate entities, ensuring that Assam’s agrarian economy remains intact.
Language Policies: Strengthening the Assamese Linguistic Identity
Language preservation is another major pillar of the government’s implementation plan. Assamese will now be a mandatory subject in all schools in the Brahmaputra Valley, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their linguistic heritage. In the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), both Assamese and Bodo will be compulsory subjects, reinforcing the region’s linguistic diversity while protecting Indigenous identities. A landmark decision was also made to introduce Assam’s history and geography as a compulsory subject up to Class 8. This measure aims to instill a strong sense of historical awareness among young students, reinforcing Assamese identity from an early age. To further elevate Assamese as the language of governance, the state government has decided that, from April 14 (Bohag Bihu, the Assamese New Year), all official government notifications will be published in both English and Assamese. Additionally, a Directorate of State Languages will be established as an independent regulatory body to oversee the enforcement of language policies. Recognising the need for linguistic adaptation in the digital era, the government has proposed collaborating with institutions such as Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University to develop an AI-based translation tool. This tool will ensure efficient translation of government documents into Assamese, facilitating wider accessibility and use of the language in administrative affairs.
Employment and Economic Empowerment for Indigenous Youth
The Assam government has also prioritised job creation as a means to strengthen economic security among indigenous communities. A total of 2,000 new government posts will be created to support land administration and revenue-related work, ensuring efficient implementation of land protection policies. Preference in recruitment will be given to Indigenous applicants, reflecting a conscious effort to empower local youth. Further, discussions are ongoing regarding employment reservations for Assamese people in government jobs, as recommended by the Biplab Sharma Committee. The committee suggested 100% reservation for Grade 3 and Grade 4 government jobs and 70% for Grade 1 and Grade 2 posts. While a final decision on this remains pending, the government has assured AASU that the issue will be revisited in upcoming negotiations.
Cultural Protection and Preservation of Religious Heritage
The agreement also entails measures to safeguard Assam’s rich cultural and religious heritage. A dedicated commission will be established within the next three months to formulate policies for the protection of xatras and naamghars—traditional institutions that hold immense cultural and spiritual significance for Assamese society. These sites have historically faced encroachment and neglect, and their statutory protection marks a major step toward preserving Assam’s religious traditions. The government has also allocated Rs 100 crore for the development of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Assam’s premier cultural centre. This investment underscores the state’s commitment to promoting indigenous arts, literature, and performing traditions. To strengthen academic research on Assamese literature and history, the government has announced the establishment of two research chairs: the Padmanath Gohainbarua Chair at Tezpur University and the Laxminath Bezbaruah Chair at Assam University, Silchar. These initiatives aim to foster scholarly engagement with Assamese cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Tripartite Talks and Future Roadmap
While the state government has made substantial commitments, several recommendations of the Justice (Retd.) Biplab Sharma Committee fall beyond its jurisdiction and requires intervention from the Union government. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged the Centre to initiate tripartite discussions involving AASU, the Assam government, and the Union government to address these recommendations comprehensively. The next phase of negotiations is set to commence in March, with follow-up discussions scheduled in April. AASU leaders have emphasized the need for continuous dialogue to ensure the full realisation of Clause 6’s objectives. “The khilonjiya (indigenous) people of Assam must dominate the land of Assam. Constitutional safeguards for the indigenous people are crucial,” AASU’s chief advisor Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya reiterated.
A Step Forward, But Challenges Remain
The Assam government’s proactive approach to implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord is a crucial step toward addressing the long-standing grievances of the indigenous Assamese people. The focus on land protection, language preservation, employment generation, and cultural safeguarding reflects a multidimensional approach to securing Assam’s identity.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Effective implementation of these measures will require consistent political will, robust legal frameworks, and vigilant monitoring. The success of these policies will ultimately depend on how well they are enforced and whether they can withstand political and legal scrutiny.
The upcoming negotiations in March and April will be critical in determining the final shape of these policies. As Assam moves forward, it remains to be seen whether these steps will mark a new era of stability and cultural resurgence or merely serve as another chapter in the region’s protracted struggle for identity and autonomy.