Why is it in the news?
- In Assam’s tribal-majority Diphu Lok Sabha constituency, candidates of all parties have promised the implementation of Article 244(A) of the Constitution to create an autonomous ‘state within a state’.
| Background
· The demand for autonomy dates back to the early days of the movement in the hill areas of undivided Assam in the 1950s, which sought the creation of a separate hill state. · While this led to the establishment of Meghalaya as a full-fledged state in 1972, the leaders of the Karbi Anglong region decided to stay with Assam due to the assurance provided through Article 244(A). · The Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) and student bodies in the region have been advocating for enhanced powers of the two autonomous councils in the region since signing a Memorandum of Settlement with the state and central governments in 1995. · Over time, the demand for autonomy evolved into an armed insurgency as autonomy for the region remained unattainable.
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About Article 244(A) of the Constitution
- Article 244(A) was introduced by the Constitution (Twenty-second Amendment) Act, 1969, permitting Parliament to establish an independent state within the state of Assam, consisting of certain specified tribal areas, including Karbi Anglong.
- This autonomous state would have its own Legislature or Council of Ministers or both, going beyond the existing provisions under the Sixth Schedule, which govern these areas.
