Bodos in Karbi Anglong to be Given ST Status after New Agreement: Report

Guwahati, January 25, 2020:

Preparations are underway to upgrade the existing Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) into the Bodoland Union Territory Council. One of the highlights of the new agreement (likely to be signed on January 27, a day after Republic Day) is the granting of ST (H) status to the Bodos living in the Karbi Anglong hills district.

As per reports, after the tripartite agreement between the Centre, the State Government of Assam, and the Bodo stakeholders, Kokrajhar will be divided into two districts (Kokrajhar and Gosaigaon) while Baksa will be bifurcated into Baksa and Manas.

Bhergaon will be carved out from Udalguri district and two new districts will be carved out from Sonitpur, Biswanath and Lakhimpur which will be named as Mainoshree and Holongi.

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As per the clauses of the current agreement, land rights in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 371 (G) will be given to the territory, which will get direct funds from the Central Government. Moreover, Orang and Manas National Parks will be part of the Union Territory Council, which will also be a member of North East Council. Moreover, the new UTC will have Inner Line Permit, and 65 % reservation for Bodos.

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According to reports, the Bodos from Karbi Anglong also will be given ST (H) status, which has been a long-standing demand of the Bodo community. According to reports, a Bodo Public Service Commission to hold exams to select candidates for Government posts, will also come into being once the agreement is signed.

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