GUWAHATI, April 3 – The Assam Legislative Assembly today passed the Bodoland Autonomous Council (Repeal) Bill, 2003 to pave the way for creation of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the Provisions of amended Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Participating in the discussion on the Bill, Zoii Nath Sarma (AGP) asked the Government to clarify as to who would monitor the development of the area till the BTC is formed. Dilip Kumar Saikia (AGP) said that the Government should take steps to ensure proper utilisation of the funds released to the BAC till the BTC is formed.
Pramila Rani Brahma (BDLP) said that they had discussed the issue with the Chief Minister and demanded that the Commissioner of the Welfare of Plain Tribes and backward Classes Department should be given the responsibility of looking after the schemes of the Bodo areas till the BTC is formed.
In his reply, Minister in charge of Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes Bharat Chandra Narah said that the Government had discussion with the Bodo legislators and leaders of the Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT) but the final decision in this regard has not yet been taken. He said that the WPT and BC Commissioner can be entrusted with the responsibility till the BTC is formed.