High-level committee report on Clause VI of Assam Accord; State Government examining report

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Government is critically examining the recommendations of the Justice (retd.) Biplab Kumar Sharma-led High Power Committee on Implementation of Clause VI of the Assam Accord.

The whereabouts of the main report of the high-power committee—with Dispur or with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)—are still not known. It is because it was the MHA that constituted the high-power committee, and the committee submitted its report to the then Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. However, whether the State government submitted that report to the MHA or kept it with it is still unknown. Be that as it may, the AASU submitted a copy of the report to the sub-committee constituted by the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led for the implementation of the Assam Accord. And the State Government is critically examining this copy of the report of the high-power committee.

The AASU could submit a copy of the report of the high-power committee for implementation of Clause VI of the Assam Accord to the sub-committee as it had representation in that committee.

According to sources in the Assam Accord Implementation Department, the State Government sorted out the recommendations of the high-power committee into four categories: (i) already implemented recommendations; (ii) recommendations that are in the process of implementation; (iii) implementable recommendations; and (iv) recommendations that need critical examination because of constitutional amendments associated with them.

Meanwhile, the Implementation of the Assam Accord Department has sought action-taken reports on the implementation of Clause VI of the Assam Accord from various departments. According to sources, some of the departments have submitted their action-taken reports and some have not.

According to sources, the sub-committee, led by Minister Atul Bora as chairman with two cabinet ministers and AASU leaders as members, is likely to meet again in June this year.

Meanwhile, AASU general secretary Sankor Jyoti Baruah expressed dismay over the sub-committee not holding any meetings for about a year, during which its term expired. He urged the government to first extend the term of the sub-committee and hold a meeting immediately. And that will make the gesture of the government visible, he said.

Also Read: Ruckus in House over Assam Accord implementation

Also Watch: