Syllabus: Polity & Governance – Assam Accord, Federalism, Official Language; Social Issues – Indigenous Rights; Internal Security – Demographic Challenges in Northeast India)

Why in the News?

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has announced that the Assam Government has agreed to implement 52 major recommendations of the Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee, which was constituted to suggest measures for fulfilling Clause 6 of the Assam Accord—a clause aimed at providing constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect the Assamese people.

• This decision was finalised in the third round of talks held on 22 November, chaired by Assam’s Chief Minister.

Background: Clause 6 of the Assam Accord

Signed in 1985, the Assam Accord sought to address issues arising from illegal migration.
Clause 6 specifically mandates safeguards to:

• Protect Assamese cultural and linguistic identity
• Secure land and socio-political rights of the indigenous population
• Preserve heritage and demographic balance

To operationalise these constitutional protections, the Government of India set up the Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee (2019).

Key Highlights of the Recent Government–AASU Agreement

1. Major Recommendations Approved (52 of 67 Actionable Points)

• 40 recommendations fall under State jurisdiction
• 15 require action by the Union Government
• 12 need joint implementation

2. Protection of Land and Demography

• Restrictions on land ownership to safeguard indigenous communities
• Introduction of Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) for transparent land records
• Roadmap for agricultural land surveys to prevent encroachment

3. Cultural and Linguistic Safeguards

• Strict enforcement of the Assam Official Language Act, 1960
• Compulsory teaching of Assamese language in English-medium schools of Brahmaputra Valley
• Formation of an autonomous Language and Literature Academy
• Upgrading the Directorate of Language Implementation into an independent directorate

4. Institutional and Infrastructure Strengthening

• Establishment of Assamese Departments in Central universities
• A multi-lingual Central Library in Guwahati
• Cultural complexes in every district
• Conservation of Sattras, including heritage protection measures
• Revitalisation of institutions like:
  • Sankardeva Kalakshetra
  • Madhupur Sattra
  • Jyoti Chitraban
  • District museums

5. Administrative Safeguards

• Mandatory Assamese language papers in State recruitment exams
• Strengthening of the Assam Biodiversity Board

6. Monitoring Mechanism

A high-level committee headed by Assam Accord Implementation Minister Atul Bora, with AASU involvement, will monitor progress.

What Lies Beyond State Jurisdiction?

AASU demanded a time-bound talk with the Centre by January, highlighting unresolved issues such as:

• Identification and deportation of illegal foreign nationals
• Sealing of the India–Bangladesh border
• Updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC)
• Safeguards under Clause 7, 9, and 10
• Rehabilitation of Assam Movement martyrs’ families

Additionally, a subcommittee formed by the State submitted an extensive reform plan to address broader issues including floods, erosion, protection of tribal belts, strengthening of science and technology institutions, and economic safeguards.

Key Concepts Explained

• Indigenous Assamese People: Defined by the Committee as those residing in Assam before 1951, along with their descendants (committee definition; not officially adopted).
• Clause 6 Safeguards: Constitutional and administrative measures to protect Assamese identity.
• ULPIN: A unique 14-digit land identifier under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme.
• Sattras: Vaishnavite monastic-cultural institutions central to Assamese heritage.
• Assam Official Language Act: Declares Assamese the official language of Assam.

Significance 

• Links identity politics, federalism, and border management
• Connects to Assam Accord, a frequent UPSC topic
• Illustrates Centre–State coordination challenges
• Demonstrates administrative tools for protecting cultural identity

Key Takeaways – Mains Question

“Discuss the major recommendations of the Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee on Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. How do these measures aim to balance cultural protection with administrative pragmatism?”

One-line wrap: The Sharma Committee’s roadmap seeks to institutionalise Assamese identity through language, land, culture, and governance reforms.