1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. GS Paper 2
  4. Polity and Governance

Article 244(A) of the Constitution


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.

 

 

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.
Subject:

Get free UPSC Updates straight to your inbox!

Get Updates on New Notification about APPSC, TSPSC and UPSC

Get Current Affairs Updates Directly into your Inbox

Discover more from AMIGOS IAS

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

WhatsApp Us

Exit mobile version