WHY IS CLAUSE-VI REPORT SHROUDED IN MYSTERY?

GUWAHATI: It appears strange that there is no information about the latest status on the Clause-VI report which is presently with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Nor has the Centre sought any views from the Assam government on this report even after the lapse of more than six months since its submission to the State government.

The report was prepared by the 14-member 'High-powered Committee on the Implementation of Clause-VI of Assam Accord' headed by Justice (retd) Biplab Kumar Sarma. This panel set up by the MHA, submitted its report to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal here on February 25, 2020. The Chief Minister received the sealed report on behalf of Union Home Minister.

Officials of the Department on Implementation of Assam Accord have confirmed that the Chief Minister has already submitted the panel's report to the Centre.

On July 15, 2019, the MHA constituted the high-powered committee. The 'Clause-VI' of the historic Assam Accord (signed on August 15, 1985) envisages Constitutional, legislative and administrative measures to safeguard, protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.

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