Assam Chief Minister to receive Clause 6 committee report on 25 Feb

February 22: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will be receiving the report of the high level Clause 6 Committee of Assam Accord formally on 25 February, 2020 at 12 noon. This was informed by state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a press conference hed on 22 February, 2020.

The high level committee formed for taking a call on the implementation of the Clause 6 of the Assam Accord formed by the centre had completed its report on 10 February. However, the committee submitted its final report to the Chief Secretary of Assam on 19 February for onward transmission to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Addressing a press conference at Janata Bhawan in Guwahati, Sarma said union home minister Amit Shah advised that the chief minister of Assam should receive the report on his behalf. “So accordingly, on February 25 at 12 noon, Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal along with his Cabinet colleagues will receive the report from the committee.”

As regards the implementation of the report, Sarma said, “We have to see the report first if the report is alright constitutionally and legally. After analysing the report if required, the Committee members might be invited to Delhi as well. if the report requires certain clarification or if the report needs to be deliberated further, then we will do that.”

As per reports, the nearly-150 page report has the definition of “Assamese people” and has a number of recommendations for effective implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. The recommendations have triggered a wave of criticism in the state over the 1951 cut-off date to make one eligible for benefits under Clause 6.

Clause 6 of the Accord Accord states that “Assamese people” would be granted “constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate” to “protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage.”

The committee was given the responsibility to assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people and will also suggest measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam.

Also Read: Clause 6 committee of Assam Accord submits final report, what’s next?

The 14-member committee was formed by the MHA on July 15, 2019 with respect to Clause 6 of the Assam Accord with retired Justice Biplap Kumar Sarma as its Chairman.