Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 08/03/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (08-03-2025).

Mains Question

Autonomous Councils in Assam play a crucial role in preserving tribal identity and ensuring decentralized governance. However, they face multiple challenges related to financial dependency, land disputes, and administrative inefficiencies. Analyze the role of Autonomous Councils in Assam and suggest measures to strengthen their functioning. (GS Paper 2: Governance, Federalism, Tribal Rights, Decentralization)

Model Answer

Introduction

Autonomous Councils in Assam are crucial for tribal self-governance, cultural preservation, and regional development. They provide political representation, economic planning, and administrative control to various tribal communities. However, these councils face challenges like financial dependency, inter-community conflicts, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and lack of legislative powers. Strengthening their functioning is essential for inclusive governance and sustainable tribal development.

Role of Autonomous Councils in Assam

✅ 1. Protecting Tribal Identity & Culture

Councils preserve indigenous languages, traditions, and festivals of Assam’s tribal communities.
Promote ethnic art, literature, and folklore through cultural institutions.

✅ 2. Socio-Economic Development & Local Governance

Manage schools, healthcare centers, and infrastructure projects in tribal regions.
Allocate funds for tribal welfare programs, employment, and economic upliftment.

✅ 3. Land & Resource Management

Regulate tribal land ownership and prevent illegal encroachments.
Promote community-led forest conservation and sustainable agriculture.

✅ 4. Decentralization & Political Representation

Councils act as mini-legislatures, ensuring self-rule within their jurisdiction.
Encourage participation of tribal leaders in decision-making at the grassroots level.

Challenges Faced by Autonomous Councils in Assam

✅ 1. Financial Dependency on State & Central Government

Councils lack independent revenue sources and rely on state grants.
Delays in fund allocation hinder development projects.

✅ 2. Limited Legislative & Administrative Powers

Councils under state laws (like RHAC) lack the autonomy of Sixth Schedule councils (e.g., Bodoland).
Cannot legislate on policing, taxation, or industrial policies.

✅ 3. Land Encroachment & Ethnic Conflicts

Disputes between tribals and non-tribals over land ownership.
Encroachments in forest lands and tribal villages create social tensions.

✅ 4. Bureaucratic Delays & Corruption

Lack of transparency in fund distribution and project implementation.
Political interference weakens governance efficiency.

Government Initiatives & Policy Measures

✅ 1. Constitutional & Legislative Reforms

Proposed 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill to enhance powers of Sixth Schedule councils.
Assam’s Tribal Development Policy provides financial grants for autonomous councils.

✅ 2. Economic & Infrastructure Development

Special funds for road connectivity, irrigation, and rural electrification in tribal areas.
Skill development initiatives under Stand-Up India and Skill India.

✅ 3. Land Rights & Conflict Resolution

Legal measures to protect tribal land from encroachment.
Establishing community-led dispute resolution mechanisms.

✅ 4. Enhancing Political Representation & Youth Involvement

Encouraging youth participation in local governance through leadership programs.
Conducting regular state-government consultations with tribal council leaders.

Way Forward

✅ 1. Strengthening Financial Autonomy

Allow councils to collect local taxes and manage revenue independently.
Direct allocation of funds from the central government for development projects.

✅ 2. Expanding Legislative & Administrative Powers

Grant more autonomy to councils under the Sixth Schedule.
Empower councils to manage policing, local industries, and trade policies.

✅ 3. Promoting Tribal Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Livelihoods

Establishing microfinance schemes for tribal businesses.
Encouraging eco-tourism and handicraft industries in council areas.

✅ 4. Strengthening Digital Governance & Transparency

Use of e-Governance for financial tracking and project monitoring.
Implementing anti-corruption measures to improve accountability.

Conclusion

Autonomous Councils in Assam play a vital role in tribal self-governance, identity preservation, and regional development. However, addressing financial dependency, administrative inefficiencies, and land disputes is essential to enhance their effectiveness. By strengthening legal frameworks, ensuring financial independence, and promoting community-driven governance, Assam can create a more inclusive and decentralized tribal governance system.

✨ Looking for top-quality APSC Mains Guidance with Personalised Mentor?

🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!

For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.

Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group