Sonai MLA proposes bill to create development councils for tribal communities living in Barak Valley, Patharkandi MLA opposes the proposal

Sonai MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya (Saju) today sought permission from the Speaker to introduce a private member bill in the Assam Assembly. The proposed bill, titled “The Development Councils for Aboriginal Scattered Communities of Barak Valley Under a Separate Directorate at Barak Valley, Bill, 2023”, aims to create development councils for tribal communities living in Barak Valley. The objective of the bill is to induce socio-economic, educational, cultural, and traditional conservation among the tribes, including Barman Dimasa, Manipuri, Bishnupriya, Boro, Koch, Maimal, Khasi-Jaintia, Hala, Rongmei Naga, Tipra, Saikriyam, Hmar, Kuki, Mizo (Lushai), Ranglong, and Kiron Sekh.

According to the proposed bill, each development council will have 12 members nominated by the Director of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes Department under the Assam Government, and a term of three years. Additionally, the councils will prepare their budget each year and have their own funds.

Asking for permission from the Speaker to introduce the private member bill, Sonai MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya said, “This bill is for various tribal and OBC communities living in Barak Valley. These communities have their own distinct social and cultural heritage. They have been living in the Barak Valley for centuries. Poverty and lack of socio-economic development have plagued their communities. They have no representation in the Assembly nor in the Parliament from Barak Valley. For this reason, their heritage and identity is facing a challenge today.”

He added, “I have brought this Bill to establish a separate Development Council and a separate Directorate in Barak Valley by law for the preservation and development of the heritage of these communities living in Assam and Barak Valley. It will lead to their socio-economic, educational and ethnic development.”

Opposing the proposed bill Patharkandi MLA Krishnendu Paul said, “The people about whom the Sonai MLA is talking had their houses gutted in fire before the BJP government came to power. They were ousted from Hills and forests. I sense there is a big conspiracy to divide people of Barak Valley. We are all brothers.”