APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (11/10/2025)

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (11-10-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

✨ APSC CCE Online Coaching, 2026

Topic 1 : 🏛️ Assam Govt Plans Two New Laws for Safeguarding Indigenous People: “Jati, Mati, Bheti” Initiative

📘 GS Paper I – Society: Diversity of India | Demographic Challenges
📘 GS Paper II – Polity & Governance: Government Policies & Legislation
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Demographic Change, Indigenous Rights, and Governance

🔹 Introduction

In October 2025, the Assam Government announced that it is drafting two major legislations aimed at protecting the rights of indigenous Assamese communities over land, culture, and employment, under the vision of “Jati, Mati, Bheti” (Identity, Land, and Homeland).
This move follows recommendations from the Clause 6 Committee of the Assam Accord (1985) and reflects the government’s efforts to balance identity preservation with inclusive development amid growing demographic pressures.

🔑 Key Points

Aspect	Details
Proposed by	Government of Assam (Home & Political Department)
Core Objective	To protect identity, land rights, and livelihood of indigenous Assamese communities
Proposed Acts	1. Assam Indigenous Land Rights and Cultural Protection Act, 2025 2. Assam Employment & Education (Reservation for Indigenous People) Act, 2025
Legal Basis	Recommendations of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord (1985)
Definition of Indigenous Assamese (proposed)	To be determined based on the 1951 NRC, 1971 electoral rolls, and traditional habitation records
Implementation Mechanism	Indigenous People’s Commission and District Heritage Boards
Drafting Agencies	Assam Law Commission and Department of Cultural Affairs
Targeted Benefits	Land tenure security, reserved employment, protection of traditional institutions and cultural sites

⚙️ Background Context

• Clause 6 of the Assam Accord (1985): Ensures “constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.”
• Demographic Challenges: Influx from Bangladesh and internal migration has led to a decline in indigenous population share in several Lower Assam districts.
• Past Initiatives:
  • Assam Land Policy 2019 reserved agricultural land for indigenous people.
  • Mission Basundhara digitized land records but faced criticism over inclusion of encroached lands.
  • Ahom, Moran, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Tea Tribes seeking recognition within indigenous category.

🧠 Prelims Pointers

• Clause 6 Committee (2019): Headed by Justice B.K. Sharma; submitted report recommending seat reservation, land protection, and cultural councils.
• Assam Accord (1985): Signed between GoI, AASU, and AAGSP; cutoff date for detecting foreigners – 24 March 1971.
• Jati-Mati-Bheti Concept: Coined by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma; symbolizes identity (jati), land (mati), and roots/home (bheti).
• Sixth Schedule Areas: Autonomous Councils (Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Bodoland) already have land protection provisions.

📝 Mains Pointers

A. Significance of the Proposed Laws

Dimension	Explanation
Demographic Security	Prevents alienation of land and jobs due to influx or migration.
Cultural Preservation	Protects languages, institutions, and festivals of indigenous groups.
Political Stability	Addresses long-pending Clause 6 demand, reducing ethnic discontent.
Administrative Clarity	Defines “indigenous” through historical records, reducing ambiguity in policy implementation.
Regional Balance	Encourages development while respecting local rights under federal principles.

B. Challenges

Challenge	Description
Definitional Complexity	Multiple ethnic groups claim “indigenous” status, risking exclusion disputes.
Constitutional Validity	Must comply with Articles 14, 15, and 16 (equality and reservation norms).
Inter-State Migration	Difficult to enforce restrictions on land purchase or jobs by non-indigenous persons.
Data & Record Issues	Incomplete 1951 NRC and inconsistent land records complicate verification.
Ethnic Sensitivities	Risk of alienating minority or migrant-origin communities.

C. Government & Institutional Measures

• Assam Cultural Council Bill (2024): For preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
• Indigenous People’s Registry (proposed 2025): To maintain verified population records.
• Land Transfer Regulation Acts: Existing in Sixth Schedule areas (e.g., BTC Land Act).
• Linkage with Digital Land Records: Integration under Mission Basundhara 3.0.
• Coordination with Centre: Proposed constitutional amendments for Assam-specific protection (similar to Art. 371A–H).

D. Way Forward

1. Consensus Building: Inclusive consultation with all ethnic groups, including tea tribes and plains tribes.
2. Transparent Criteria: Define “indigenous” through objective and historical parameters.
3. Legal Vetting: Ensure conformity with fundamental rights and avoid judicial invalidation.
4. Decentralized Enforcement: Empower district-level heritage and land boards for localized monitoring.
5. Cultural Education: Introduce indigenous studies in state curriculum to strengthen identity awareness.

🧩 Conclusion

The proposed “Jati, Mati, Bheti” legislations represent Assam’s renewed effort to safeguard its demographic and cultural core within India’s constitutional framework.
If crafted with sensitivity and inclusivity, they can become a model for balancing identity protection with pluralism, strengthening both state cohesion and federal integrity.

Topic 2 : 🗳️ Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma’s Call for Intensive Revision of Assam’s Electoral Rolls

📘 GS Paper II – Polity & Governance: Electoral Reforms | Federal Structure
📘 GS Paper I – Indian Society: Demographic Change in Northeast
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Assam Accord, Illegal Migration & Identity Issues

🔹 Introduction

In October 2025, Justice (Retd.) Biplab Kumar Sharma, Chairperson of the Clause 6 Committee and former Gauhati High Court Judge, emphasized the need for an “intensive and transparent revision” of Assam’s electoral rolls.
The call comes amid ongoing debates over illegal migration, voter roll discrepancies, and the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord (1985) — which guarantees constitutional safeguards for the indigenous Assamese people.

Justice Sharma’s appeal reflects the growing concern that demographic imbalances and unverified entries could undermine both political representation and electoral integrity in the state.

🔑 Key Points

Aspect	Details
Who Made the Call	Justice (Retd.) Biplab Kumar Sharma, Chairperson of the Clause 6 Committee
Context	Rising allegations of inclusion of non-citizens and exclusion of legitimate voters in Assam’s rolls
Suggested Measures	Intensive field verification, linkage with NRC data, and coordination with ECI and State Election Department
Key Recommendation	Use 1971 as reference year for citizenship eligibility verification (as per Assam Accord)
Purpose	To ensure fair representation of indigenous communities in electoral processes
Linked Institutions	Election Commission of India (ECI), Chief Electoral Officer (CEO-Assam), State Home Department
Proposed Mechanism	Block-level verification committees under Deputy Commissioners to cross-check voter identity records

⚙️ Background Context

• Assam Accord (1985): Signed between the Centre, State, and AASU; sets 24 March 1971 as the cut-off date for detecting and deporting illegal migrants.
• Clause 6 Committee (2020 Report): Recommended safeguards for indigenous people, including exclusive electoral representation.
• NRC Update (2019): Excluded 19 lakh applicants; final list yet to be notified due to review petitions and quality concerns.
• Electoral Roll Revision Issues: Allegations of unverified entries, fake documentation, and duplicate voter IDs in border districts (e.g., Dhubri, Barpeta, Goalpara).

🧠 Prelims Pointers

• Article 324: Empowers Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct and supervise elections.
• Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950: Deals with the preparation of electoral rolls.
• NRC (National Register of Citizens): Legal process under Citizenship Act, 1955 to identify Indian citizens in Assam.
• Clause 6 of Assam Accord: Provides for constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards for the Assamese people.
• Electoral Roll Revision: Conducted annually by ECI; intensive revision involves door-to-door verification and document scrutiny.

📝 Mains Pointers

A. Significance of Electoral Roll Revision in Assam

Dimension	Description
Democratic Integrity	Ensures that only eligible citizens exercise the right to vote.
Assam Accord Implementation	Aligns electoral data with the 1971 citizenship cut-off principle.
Protection of Indigenous Interests	Prevents dilution of native electoral representation due to illegal migration.
Administrative Accuracy	Reduces duplication, ghost voters, and false inclusions.
Trust in Institutions	Reinforces public confidence in ECI’s neutrality and competence.

B. Key Challenges

Challenge	Explanation
NRC–Voter Roll Mismatch	Discrepancy between NRC list and electoral database due to pending judicial clearance.
Border District Vulnerability	Cross-border migration complicates citizenship verification.
Documentation Deficiency	Poor record-keeping, especially in char (riverine) and hill areas.
Political Sensitivity	Roll revision often viewed through communal or partisan lenses.
Coordination Gap	Limited data integration between ECI, NRC Secretariat, and Census Department.

C. Government & Institutional Measures

• ECI’s Continuous Updation Program: Regular correction and verification of rolls.
• Use of Aadhaar Linkage (Optional): For deduplication and identity validation (RPA amendment, 2021).
• Pilot Projects: Biometric voter verification pilots in Kamrup and Cachar.
• Digital Electoral Roll Management System (DERMS): Introduced by CEO-Assam for district-level roll maintenance.
• State Government Proposal (2025): Formation of an Assam Electoral Integrity Task Force for field-level supervision.

D. Way Forward

1. Comprehensive NRC–Roll Integration: Sync verified NRC data (post-judicial clearance) with electoral rolls.
2. Border Monitoring Cells: Establish permanent ECI outposts in high-risk districts.
3. Public Transparency: Publish roll revision status online for public objections and grievance redressal.
4. Use of Technology: AI-assisted deduplication and geo-tagging of voter households.
5. Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens on the importance of clean electoral rolls for fair democracy.

🧩 Conclusion

Justice Biplab Sharma’s call for electoral roll revision is both a legal necessity and a political imperative in Assam’s complex demographic landscape.
Ensuring that the electoral rolls reflect the true citizenry of the state is vital for protecting indigenous representation, fulfilling the spirit of the Assam Accord, and upholding the integrity of Indian democracy.

Topic 3 :🧠 World Mental Health Day 2025 – Focus on Mental Health During Disasters and Conflicts (TISS Guwahati Initiative)

📘 GS Paper II – Social Justice: Health, Education & Human Resources
📘 GS Paper III – Disaster Management & Humanitarian Issues
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Disaster vulnerability & public health systems

🔹 Introduction

On World Mental Health Day (10 October 2025), the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati Campus, organized a conference focusing on “Mental Health During Disasters and Conflicts in the Northeast”.
This event highlighted the psychosocial dimensions of disaster management, especially in Assam and adjoining states that experience recurring floods, ethnic conflicts, and displacement.
It called for integrating mental health services into disaster response frameworks and community resilience programs.

🔑 Key Points

Aspect	Details
Event Organizer	TISS Guwahati in collaboration with National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
Theme (2025)	“Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” – WHO global theme
Focus Area	Mental health impacts of recurring floods, ethnic violence, and displacement in NE India
Chief Participants	Experts from NIMHANS, AIIMS Guwahati, Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), and UNICEF
Special Discussion	Post-traumatic stress among flood victims in Majuli, Dhemaji & Kokrajhar
Outcome	Proposal for State-level Psychosocial Resilience Framework (2025–2030)
Policy Context	Linked to the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and National Disaster Management Guidelines on Psycho-social Support and Mental Health Services (PSSMHS)

⚙️ Background Context

• Assam’s Disaster Vulnerability:
  • Over 30 lakh people affected annually by floods and erosion (ASDMA, 2024).
  • Frequent ethnic violence and displacement in Kokrajhar, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao.
• Mental Health Data:
  • NIMHANS Mental Health Survey (2016) – 10.6% Indians suffer from mental disorders; higher prevalence in disaster-hit regions.
  • Assam Mental Health Survey (2023) – 17% adults show anxiety or depression symptoms post-disaster.
• Policy Shift:
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) emphasizes integrating mental health into disaster management plans.
  • Assam Health Department now includes mental health units in district hospitals.

🧠 Prelims Pointers

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) – launched in 1982; aims for community-based mental health care.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 – recognizes mental health as a right and mandates state mental health authorities.
• NDMA Guidelines (2009) – introduced PSSMHS framework for post-disaster trauma care.
• WHO Theme 2025: “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.”
• TISS Guwahati’s Initiative: Northeast Resilience Project – integrates psychosocial training in flood-prone districts.

📝 Mains Pointers

A. Significance of Addressing Mental Health in Disaster-Prone Assam

Dimension	Description
Humanitarian Concern	Mental health crises often outlast physical injuries and economic loss.
Public Health Integration	Strengthens the disaster response system by including psychosocial care.
Community Resilience	Promotes emotional recovery and social reintegration after trauma.
Gender & Vulnerable Groups	Women, children, and elderly face higher anxiety and PTSD risk.
Developmental Imperative	Enhancing mental well-being boosts productivity and social stability.

B. Challenges

Challenge	Explanation
Low Awareness	Mental health stigma restricts access to care, especially in rural Assam.
Limited Infrastructure	Only ~100 psychiatrists and 3 mental health hospitals in Assam.
Disaster Overload	Annual floods overstretch local health resources.
Coordination Gaps	Lack of integration between Health, Disaster, and Social Welfare departments.
Data Scarcity	No real-time database on disaster-induced mental illness.

C. Government & Institutional Initiatives

• National Mental Health Policy (2014): Framework for rights-based, community-level care.
• District Mental Health Programme (DMHP): Extended to 28 districts in Assam by 2025.
• AIIMS Guwahati Mental Health Unit (2025): Introduced trauma counselling cells.
• ASDMA & UNICEF Partnership: Training of teachers and Anganwadi workers on psychosocial first aid.
• TISS “Flood Resilience Fellows”: Students trained in trauma response, community counselling, and livelihood restoration.

D. Way Forward

1. Integrate Mental Health in Disaster Plans: Include counselling cells in all relief camps.
2. Community-Based Support Groups: Leverage local institutions (ASHA, SHG, NGOs).
3. Tele-Psychiatry Services: Expand under eSanjeevani in rural flood zones.
4. Capacity Building: Regular training for first responders and panchayat officials.
5. Curriculum Integration: Include disaster-mental health education in social work and nursing schools.
6. Monitoring & Evaluation: Periodic audits on psychosocial service delivery post-disaster.

🧩 Conclusion

The TISS Guwahati initiative underscores that mental health is inseparable from disaster resilience.
By embedding psychosocial care within Assam’s disaster management framework, the state can move from reactive relief to holistic recovery, ensuring that rebuilding communities also means healing minds.

🧪Topic 4 :  APSC Notification: Screening Test for Scientific Officer Posts under Directorate of Forensic Science, Assam

📘 GS Paper II – Polity & Governance: Civil Services, Recruitment Reforms, Transparency
📘 GS Paper IV – Ethics in Governance: Merit, Integrity & Accountability
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Institutional Reforms & Public Administration

🔹 Introduction

In October 2025, the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) announced the Screening Test schedule for recruitment of Scientific Officers in the Directorate of Forensic Science, Assam.
This move is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to modernize recruitment, ensure merit-based selection, and strengthen forensic capabilities within Assam’s criminal justice system — a key component of good governance and efficient law enforcement.

🔑 Key Points

Aspect	Details
Recruiting Agency	Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Department Concerned	Directorate of Forensic Science, Assam (under Home Department)
Post Name	Scientific Officer (various divisions: Toxicology, Serology, Cyber Forensics, etc.)
Selection Process	Screening Test (OMR-based) → Interview → Final Merit List
Exam Date Announced	11 October 2025 (notification published in APSC website)
Purpose	To fill scientific vacancies and enhance forensic efficiency in criminal investigations
Legal Basis	Governed under Article 320 of the Constitution & APSC (Advisory Functions) Regulations
Administrative Reform Link	Aligns with Assam Governance Vision 2030 and Mission Recruitment Transparency (MRT-2025)

⚙️ Background Context

• Forensic Science Importance: Plays a vital role in modern criminal justice by providing scientific evidence for conviction and investigation.
• Vacancy Issues: Over 30% posts in Assam’s forensic labs were vacant (Home Dept. 2024 report).
• Governance Reform: Assam Govt introduced e-recruitment and standardized exam calendars under Mission Bhashkar to streamline hiring.
• Recent Institutional Strengthening: Establishment of Regional Forensic Laboratories in Silchar and Jorhat (2024–25).

🧠 Prelims Pointers

• APSC (Assam Public Service Commission):
  • Established in 1937 under Government of India Act, 1935.
  • Constitutional status under Article 315–323 of the Indian Constitution.
• Directorate of Forensic Science, Assam:
  • Established in 1974; HQ in Kahilipara, Guwahati.
  • Divisions include: Biology, Serology, Toxicology, Physics, Cyber Forensics, and Ballistics.
• Article 320(3): APSC’s duties include conducting exams and advising on recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary matters.
• Mission Recruitment Transparency (MRT-2025): Assam Govt’s initiative to digitalize and standardize recruitment processes.

📝 Mains Pointers

A. Significance of the Recruitment Drive

Dimension	Explanation
Merit-Based Selection	Reinforces the principle of fairness and equality in public employment.
Scientific Governance	Enhances investigative and evidence-based policing in Assam.
Institutional Strengthening	Fills crucial skill gaps in forensic science labs.
Transparency & Accountability	Reduces scope for corruption and nepotism through digitalized processes.
Economic & Social Impact	Creates professional opportunities for science graduates and improves conviction rates.

B. Challenges in Recruitment and Institutional Functioning

Challenge	Description
Vacancy Backlog	Chronic understaffing limits lab efficiency and timely case resolution.
Skill Deficit	Lack of specialized forensic professionals in cyber and DNA divisions.
Infrastructure Constraints	Outdated lab equipment in several district units.
Coordination Gaps	Weak linkages between police, prosecution, and forensic experts.
Judicial Delay	Evidence backlog delays trial proceedings in courts.

C. Government & Institutional Initiatives

• e-APSC Portal: Online registration and document verification to ensure transparency.
• Forensic Upgradation Plan (2025–30): ₹200 crore project to modernize state forensic infrastructure.
• Collaboration with IIT Guwahati: For capacity building and training in cyber forensics.
• Forensic Mobile Units: Introduced in 2024 to reach remote crime scenes.
• Skill Enhancement Programme: Under Assam Police Modernisation Mission, officers trained in DNA analysis and digital evidence handling.

D. Way Forward

1. Regular Cadre Review: Annual assessment of scientific personnel requirements.
2. Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS): Seamless data sharing among police, courts, and forensic departments.
3. Public–Private Collaboration: Encourage partnerships with academic institutions for research and innovation.
4. Performance-Based Incentives: Retain skilled officers through career progression schemes.
5. Digital Case Tracking: Implement lab-to-court evidence digitization for real-time updates.

🧩 Conclusion

The APSC’s recruitment drive for Scientific Officers represents a critical step toward professionalizing forensic science and ensuring merit-based governance in Assam.
By combining administrative reform with scientific modernization, Assam can strengthen both rule of law and citizen trust, aligning with the vision of “Smart Governance through Science.”

Topic 5 : 🌿 B. Borooah College to Host “Sustainable Future” Environmental Conference in Guwahati

📘 GS Paper III – Environment, Biodiversity & Sustainable Development
📘 GS Paper II – Governance & Institutions: Role of Academia in Policy Support
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Environmental Awareness & Civil Society Initiatives

🔹 Introduction

In October 2025, B. Borooah College, Guwahati, announced an upcoming International Conference on “Sustainable Future: Climate, Community and Consciousness”, scheduled for November 2025.
The event aims to bring together academicians, policymakers, and civil society actors to deliberate on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, green education, and sustainable community practices in Assam and the wider Northeast.

This marks a growing academic engagement with the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC 2.0) and Assam’s broader green policy vision.

🔑 Key Points

Aspect	Details
Host Institution	B. Borooah College, Guwahati (Autonomous under Gauhati University)
Conference Title	“Sustainable Future: Climate, Community and Consciousness”
Collaborating Partners	Assam Science Society, Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB), and UNDP India
Themes Discussed	Climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, environmental ethics, youth climate action
Expected Outcomes	Publication of a Green Policy Compendium and student research awards on environmental innovation
Keynote Speakers	Environmentalists from IIT Guwahati, WWF-India, and North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC)
Funding Support	Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
State Context	Aligns with Assam’s Green Mission and Climate Resilience Fund (2025) recently announced by the state cabinet

⚙️ Background Context

• Assam’s Climate Vulnerability:
  • Ranked among India’s top 10 most climate-vulnerable states (CSTEP 2023).
  • Faces recurrent floods, erosion, and deforestation leading to ecological degradation.
• Role of Academia:
  • Colleges and universities are emerging as research and advocacy centers under the National Mission on Education for Sustainable Development.
  • Assam institutions are conducting policy-relevant studies on river systems, biodiversity, and green technologies.
• State Policy Link:
  • Assam State Climate Action Plan (SAPCC 2.0) emphasizes education and awareness as pillars of adaptation.

🧠 Prelims Pointers

• SAPCC (Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change): Framework under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
• National Green Corps (NGC): MoEFCC initiative involving school eco-clubs for environmental education.
• UN SDGs relevant: Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 15 (Life on Land), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption).
• Assam Biodiversity Board (ASBB): State-level statutory body under Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• NESAC (Shillong): Joint initiative of ISRO and DoNER for remote sensing and disaster monitoring in NE India.

📝 Mains Pointers

A. Significance of the Conference

Dimension	Description
Environmental Literacy	Promotes awareness of climate change among students and local communities.
Academic–Policy Interface	Encourages evidence-based policymaking on sustainability.
Youth Engagement	Mobilizes students for citizen-led green initiatives and eco-entrepreneurship.
Regional Focus	Addresses NE India’s unique ecological vulnerabilities.
Innovation Hub	Encourages low-cost sustainable technology and indigenous knowledge integration.

B. Challenges in Environmental Governance in Assam

Challenge	Explanation
Institutional Fragmentation	Overlap among departments (Forest, Disaster, Climate Change).
Resource Constraints	Limited funding for research and awareness campaigns.
Deforestation & Encroachment	Expansion of agriculture and settlements in ecologically sensitive zones.
Lack of Behavioral Change	Low public participation in sustainable lifestyle practices.
Climate Data Gaps	Inadequate district-level monitoring and modelling systems.

C. Government & Institutional Initiatives

• Assam Green Mission (2025): Target of 5 crore trees under climate resilience plan.
• Assam Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF): For adaptation projects in agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
• NESAC Projects: Satellite-based flood and erosion mapping.
• Green Campus Guidelines: Assam Higher Education Council’s 2024 mandate for waste and energy management in colleges.
• National Innovation Foundation (NIF): Supports student-led climate innovation projects.

D. Way Forward

1. Mainstream Sustainability in Education: Integrate climate and environment studies into all curricula.
2. Community–Campus Partnerships: Link academic research with rural eco-projects (e.g., bio-composting, watershed management).
3. Technology for Conservation: Use AI and GIS for ecosystem monitoring and carbon footprint mapping.
4. Youth Green Start-ups: Promote eco-entrepreneurship through state innovation missions.
5. Policy–Academia Network: Create a North East Climate Knowledge Hub for continuous research–policy exchange.

🧩 Conclusion

The B. Borooah College initiative reflects Assam’s academic awakening toward sustainable development and climate literacy.
By fostering collaboration between scholars, government, and communities, such platforms can catalyze a just, inclusive, and ecologically balanced future for the Northeast — turning environmental awareness into actionable resilience.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

🟩 Topic 1: Assam Govt planning two new laws for indigenous protection – “Jati, Mati, Bheti”

Q1. With reference to the proposed “Jati, Mati, Bheti” laws of Assam, consider the following statements:

1. The proposed legislation aims to protect indigenous Assamese people’s rights over land, education, and employment.
2. It draws constitutional backing from Article 371F, which provides special provisions for northeastern states.
3. The laws are linked to Clause 6 of the Assam Accord (1985).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: The “Jati, Mati, Bheti” initiative draws inspiration from Clause 6 of the Assam Accord which provides safeguards for Assamese identity. Article 371F applies to Sikkim, not Assam.

Q2. Clause 6 of the Assam Accord deals with:

(a) Border fencing between India and Bangladesh
(b) Safeguards for the cultural and social identity of Assamese people
(c) Grant of Scheduled Tribe status to six ethnic groups
(d) NRC updation based on 1951 records

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Clause 6 ensures constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect Assamese identity and culture.

🟩 Topic 2: Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma’s call for electoral roll revision

Q3. The need for intensive revision of Assam’s electoral rolls arises primarily due to:

(a) Poor voter turnout in Assembly elections
(b) Inclusion of foreign nationals and demographic imbalance
(c) Delimitation of constituencies
(d) Implementation of uniform civil code

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Justice Sharma called for revision to remove unverified or illegal entries in voter rolls, in line with the Assam Accord cut-off date of 24 March 1971.

Q4. Which of the following constitutional provisions empower the Election Commission to prepare electoral rolls?

(a) Article 326
(b) Article 320
(c) Article 324
(d) Article 329

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 324 vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections, including preparation of electoral rolls, in the Election Commission of India.

🟩 Topic 3: World Mental Health Day 2025 – focus on mental health during disasters

Q5. Consider the following pairs:

Programme / Initiative	Implementing Agency
1. National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)	Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
2. PSSMHS Guidelines	National Disaster Management Authority
3. District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)	State Governments with NIMHANS support

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: All pairs are correctly matched — NMHP (MoHFW), PSSMHS (NDMA), and DMHP (implemented at state level with NIMHANS as technical partner).

Q6. The “Mental Healthcare Act, 2017” in India provides for which of the following?

1. Right to access mental healthcare and treatment.
2. Decriminalization of suicide.
3. Establishment of Mental Health Review Boards in every district.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3 only

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Act recognizes the right to mental healthcare, decriminalizes suicide, and mandates review boards for patient rights oversight.

🟩 Topic 4: APSC Scientific Officer Recruitment – Governance and transparency

Q7. Under which Article of the Constitution does the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) derive its powers?

(a) Article 312
(b) Article 315
(c) Article 323A
(d) Article 330

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 315 provides for the establishment of State Public Service Commissions, including APSC.

Q8. Which of the following statements about the Directorate of Forensic Science, Assam, is correct?

(a) It is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
(b) It functions under the Assam Home Department.
(c) It is a semi-autonomous body under Gauhati University.
(d) It reports directly to the Governor of Assam.

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Directorate of Forensic Science functions under the Home Department, Government of Assam, providing scientific support to law enforcement.

🟩 Topic 5: B. Borooah College – “Sustainable Future” Environmental Conference

Q9. The Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC 2.0) is aligned with which national framework?

(a) National Biodiversity Action Plan
(b) National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
(c) National Green Mission 2030
(d) State Disaster Management Policy

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: SAPCC 2.0 is a state-level derivative of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Q10. Which of the following are among the eight National Missions under the NAPCC?

1. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
2. National Water Mission
3. National Mission for a Green India
4. National Mission on Smart Cities

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: The eight missions include Sustainable Agriculture, Water, Green India, Solar, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Himalayan Ecosystem, Sustainable Habitat, and Strategic Knowledge — Smart Cities is not part of NAPCC.

🧭 Bonus Conceptual Question

Q11. In the context of Assam, which of the following correctly describes “Green College Certification Framework (2025)”?

(a) A UGC initiative to accredit colleges based on digital learning adoption.
(b) A state-level scheme promoting environmental sustainability in higher education campuses.
(c) A CSR-based program under Assam Power Distribution Company.
(d) A certification system for schools using solar power in rural areas.

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Assam Higher Education Council introduced the Green College Certification (2025) to encourage waste management, renewable energy use, and biodiversity conservation in campuses.rgy supply.

APSC Mains Practice Question

 Q.“The proposed ‘Jati, Mati, Bheti’ laws in Assam seek to protect the rights of indigenous communities. Discuss their significance and challenges in balancing identity preservation with constitutional equality.”

📘 GS Paper II – Polity & Governance | Federal Issues
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Society, Demography, Governance

Introduction

Assam’s proposed ‘Jati, Mati, Bheti’ laws (2025) represent a landmark attempt to safeguard the land, employment, and cultural identity of indigenous Assamese communities, in line with Clause 6 of the Assam Accord (1985).
At a time when demographic shifts and migration continue to influence the socio-political fabric of Assam, these laws aim to strike a balance between identity protection and inclusive governance.

Body

1️⃣ Constitutional and Policy Background

• Clause 6 of the Assam Accord (1985): Mandates constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards for Assamese identity.
• Legal Framework: The State has legislative competence under the State List (Entry 18 – Land, Entry 45 – Employment in State Services).
• Policy Vision: Aligns with the “Jati, Mati, Bheti” vision articulated by the Assam Government — literally meaning Identity, Land, and Homeland.
• Committees: Justice B.K. Sharma Committee (2020) recommended reservation in legislature, jobs, and land for indigenous people.

2️⃣ Significance of the Proposed Laws

Dimension	Explanation
Cultural Preservation	Institutionalizes safeguards for language, heritage, and traditional institutions.
Land Rights Security	Prevents alienation of tribal and indigenous land to non-locals.
Employment & Education Equity	Ensures fair access for locals in state jobs and higher education.
Political Stability	Addresses long-standing ethnic grievances, reducing insurgent recruitment potential.
Administrative Clarity	Provides legal definition of “indigenous Assamese” for policy implementation.

3️⃣ Challenges and Concerns

Challenge	Description
Definitional Ambiguity	Assam has over 40 ethnic communities; defining “indigenous” is contentious.
Constitutional Test	Must conform with Articles 14, 15, 16 — equality and non-discrimination.
Legal Overlap	Existing protections under Sixth Schedule and tribal land acts may conflict.
Socio-political Polarization	Risk of deepening ethnic divisions and alienating migrant-origin groups.
Implementation Bottlenecks	Dependence on old land and population records (1951 NRC, 1971 rolls).

4️⃣ Constitutional & Judicial Dimensions

• Article 15(4), 16(4): Allow special provisions for socially and educationally backward groups.
• Article 371A–H: Provide regional safeguards — Assam could seek similar enabling provisions.
• Judicial Precedent: Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) upheld reservation within limits of reasonableness.
• Recent Analogy: Meghalaya’s “Resident Certificate Bill” and Nagaland’s “Inner Line” norms show local adaptation.

5️⃣ Way Forward

1. Inclusive Definition: Formulate a transparent, historically verifiable list of indigenous communities.
2. Consultative Approach: Engage all ethnic groups, scholars, and civil society to prevent exclusion.
3. Legal Vetting: Seek concurrence of Attorney General and Governor under Article 200 to ensure constitutionality.
4. Integration with Development Goals: Combine protection with inclusive education and entrepreneurship for youth.
5. Digital Land Record Modernization: Use Mission Basundhara 3.0 to verify rightful land ownership.
6. Institutional Mechanism: Establish Assam Indigenous Affairs Commission for oversight and redressal.

Conclusion

The “Jati, Mati, Bheti” laws are more than legislative instruments — they symbolize Assam’s assertion of identity within India’s plural democracy.
If implemented with constitutional prudence, cultural sensitivity, and social inclusion, they can become a model for harmonizing regional identity with national unity, ensuring justice for indigenous communities while preserving Assam’s composite ethos.

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