The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council to get a new name

Tripura tribal council is set to get a new name with more power in its fold.

Elections to the council, which were scheduled in May 2019 and indefinitely suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic are likely to take place after the conclusion of the 125th Constitutional amendment to empower the tribal council, originally set up under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Standing Committee of Parliament which was formed to make suggestions for the 125th constitutional amendment had approved certain proposals received from the state government, political parties, and indigenous forums. It however disapproved of the concept of direct funding from the union government to the council bypassing the state government.

TTAADC currently has the power to elect 28 members while two are nominated by the Governor. The amendment would raise the number of members to fifty, six of whom will be nominated by the Governor, officials confirmed.

Confusion continues over whether the council will be elected under its current 28 member and two-nominated format, or under a new arrangement of seats.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is showing reluctance to hold elections to the council, while the opposition Congress, the Communist Party of India-Marxist, and the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra has called for an urgent announcement of the poll date.

TTAADC has limited authority over three-fourths of the land in Tripura. Only one-third of the State's population lives in the demarcated area.

TTAADC Act 1979 was passed by the Indian parliament after multiple democratic movements led by the Indigenous people of Tripura under the provision of the 6th scheduled of the constitution of India.

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