Kokrajhar: The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam has called for its inclusion under Article 280 of the Constitution, a move that would provide direct funding from the Union government to support the development of remote districts that have endured decades of insurgency and are now on a path of peace and recovery.
Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), expressed his commitment to sustaining the hard-won peace in the region.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Boro said that after over four decades of instability, fear, and violence, the region has successfully moved towards normalcy.
The BTC is working to maintain this peace, but Boro emphasized the need for policy support and increased funding to drive Bodoland’s development.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the tripartite Bodo Peace Accord signed on January 27, 2020, between the Bodo groups, the Indian government, and the Assam government.
The BTR, formed under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, covers five districts—Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baska, Udalguri, and Tamulpur—and spans an area of 8,970 square kilometers, home to over 31 lakh people, including the Bodo tribe, the largest Scheduled Tribe in Assam.
Boro, who previously served as the president of the All Bodo Students Union, highlighted the region’s potential for growth.
“We have made significant progress in restoring normalcy and ensuring peace in Bodoland,” he said.
“Now, we need the right policies, technology, knowledge, and financial resources to develop Bodoland into a thriving part of the country. Funding has been a challenge due to the lack of banks and businesses in the region, which has been affected by decades of insurgency.”
Currently, the BTC’s annual budget allocation is Rs 800 crore, which constitutes about 12% of Assam’s total budget.
Boro has called on the Indian government to implement Article 280 in the BTC area, ensuring direct access to Union funds under a dedicated scheme, a provision included in the 2020 peace accord.
“This funding will help us strengthen the Council and accelerate our development processes,” he said.
Article 280(1) of the Constitution establishes the framework for the Finance Commission, which recommends the distribution of tax proceeds between the Union and state governments, including grants for local governance.
Boro believes that inclusion in this scheme will resolve many of BTC’s financial challenges, especially in terms of infrastructure and providing basic facilities for the residents of Bodoland.
In addition, Boro mentioned that the Centre is preparing the final draft for an amendment to the 125th Constitution Amendment Bill, which includes provisions for the Sixth Schedule and the Finance Commission.
This bill aims to improve the governance of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Boro also spoke about the region’s untapped tourism potential, emphasizing that peace and security are key to attracting visitors. He noted that Bodoland has immense opportunities for river rafting, wildlife safaris, and eco-tourism.
However, the region currently lacks the necessary infrastructure, which the BTC is working to develop.
“If peace continues in Bodoland for the next five years, tourists will come. We are working to build the infrastructure needed for tourism,” he said.
To further drive the region’s development, the BTC has prepared a “vision document” for 26 communities within the Bodo autonomous region, which will be released in March.
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The document aims to address the challenges faced by the local population, including the lack of industries and government jobs, which has led many to seek employment elsewhere.
Boro expressed a commitment to creating sustainable livelihoods and bringing people back to Bodoland.
Reflecting on the origins of the Bodo movement, Boro thanked both the Centre and the Assam government for their role in facilitating the peace process.
While he remained cautious about the long-term outcomes of the 2020 peace accord, he emphasised the importance of addressing people’s concerns in a rational and just manner.
