Assam Accord: High-Level Committee Deliberates on Definition of ‘Assamese’

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The high-level committee on the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord on Sunday started deliberations to arrive at a definition of ‘Assamese’.

The discussion has assumed importance as Clause 6 of the historic Accord categorically mentioned the word 'Assamese'.

The Clause states: “Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people”.

The Sunday’s meeting discussed various aspects such as historical and anthropological background, linguistic angle and a possible base year that might need to be taken into consideration to create a definition of ‘Assamese’.

Since the Committee will assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly, Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam and local bodies for the Assamese people, the Sunday’s meeting discussed possible quantum of reservation.

The meeting also decided to prepare a roadmap for the month of October to meet various stakeholders to elicit their opinions and suggestions on various terms and references of the high-level committee on Clause 6. The committee will have to submit its report to the Centre in January, 2020.

The Committee will examine the effectiveness of actions taken since 1985 to implement the Clause 6. It will hold discussions with various stakeholders including social organizations, legal and constitutional experts, eminent persons from the field of art, culture and literature, conservationists, economists, linguists and sociologists.

The Committee will assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people. It will also suggest measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam.

The Committee will recommend the appropriate level of reservations in employment under the Government of Assam for the Assamese people. It may suggest any other measures as may be necessary to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.

The next meeting of the high-level committee will be held on October 11.

Also Read: Committee on Clause 6 ‘Assamese’ or ‘Indigenous People’?

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