Two angry members of the high powered Clause VI committee, which was supposed to suggest measures for the protection of the indigenous people of Assam, today released the report to the public, five months after it was submitted to the Government.
The Government of India in July 2019 constituted it with much fanfare to counter the avalanche of protest against the CAB/CAA, has been sitting over the report since February putting the committee members in a humiliating position.
But today two of the members, the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and Advocate Niloy Dutta released the Report to the members of the public in a joint press conference. But other members preferred to be silent.
The Committee has effectively put January 1,1951 as the effective cut off date for making inhabitants of Assam as indigenous people of Assam. However it is not yet clear from where this list can be drawn as the NRC 1951 is not completely available in the state.
Clause 6 envisages constitutional, legislative and administrative measures to safeguard, protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. It also seeks to ascertain who fits into the definition of an Assamese.
The report stated that the committee after deliberations and upon consideration of the various representations from the stakeholders and further on the basis of interactions with various organizations and individuals the committee had come to the conclusion that the definition of Assamese People for specific implementation of Clause 6 of Assam Accord should consist of Indigenous Tribals as well as other Indigenous Communities of Assam and over and above Indigenous Assamese.
The term "Assamese People" shall be construed as any citizen of India who is a part of:
1. Assamese community, residing in the Territory of Assam on or before January 1, 1951; Or,
2. Any Indigenous Tribal Community of Assam residing in the Territory of Assam on or before January 1, 1951; Or,
3. Any other Indigenous Community of Assam residing in the Territory of Assam on or before January 1, 1951; Or,
4. All other citizens of India residing in the territory of Assam on or before January 1, 1951, And,
5. Descendants of the above category
Effectively the Clause VI committee report has put January 1,1951 as the cut off date for being an Indigenous people of Assam to get all the benefits like 80% job reservation and other suggestions regarding land.
