Chakma Autonomous District Council: A meagre 'importance' among ADCs in North-East India

By Suman Chakma

Centre Releases Rs 1000 Crore for Northeast Tribal Councils

     While appreciating the decision, the Forum of Councils under Sixth Schedule (FOCUSS), an umbrella body of ADCs, which was formed at a meeting of all the ADCs in Shillong on July 8 last year urged the Centre to continue with the aid till the ADCs are no longer included under Article 280 of the Constitution.

     The three Autonomous Districts in Mizoram will receive  Rs 16.86 crore along  with Tribal Councils in North-East States  as the Minority of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned Rs 1000 crore 'special assistance ' grant for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. Among the trio, Chakma Council will receive the least proportion of share (i.e. 0.484 % against total amount) while, Mara Council will receive the lion's share. In fact, the Chakma Council will receive the most least (literally not important) share among all the Tribal Councils in North-East India.

     Although, the reasons behind the distribution may be under various provisions of  the Constitution but, will it always be the same for the ADCs in Mizoram in general and Chakma Council in particular for which they always complaint and fall injustice. 

     

     Three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Assam has the maximum share with the Bodoland Territorial  Council (BTC) getting the maximum share of Rs 421.02 crore alone and the rest two will get Rs 188.77 crore.

     Those in Meghalaya will get Rs 267.4 crore, while Rs 16.86 crore was earmarked  for the three ADCs in Mizoram and Rs 175.95 crore for the only one in Tripura.

      The ADC-wise  break-up is as follows: -

The Chakma Autonomous District Council in Mizoram - Rs 4.58 crore.
The Lai Autonomous District Council - Rs 4.64 crore.
The Mara Autonomous District Council - Rs 7.64 crore.
The North-Cachar Hills Autonomous Council in Assam - Rs 24.66 crore.
The Karbi-Anglong Autonomous Council - Rs 94.11 crore.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council in Meghalaya - Rs 133.12 crore.
The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council - Rs 100.71 crore.
The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council - Rs 33.57 crore.
The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council in Tripura - Rs 175.95 crore.

     The Central Plan stipulates that the Central Assistance Scheme is meant for road development, construction of toilet facilities, playgrounds, schools, bus sheds, water reservoirs, etc.

Related Article:
1. Chakma Autonomous District Council uniqueness among ADCs in India