Article 244(A) of the Constitution

In Assam’s tribal-majority Diphu Lok Sabha constituency election candidates from all parties have pledged to implement Article 244(A) of the Constitution to establish an autonomous “state within a state.”

What is Article 244(A) of the Constitution?

• Article 244(A) was introduced by The Constitution (Twenty-second Amendment) Act, 1969, granting Parliament the authority to enact legislation to establish an autonomous state within Assam, encompassing specified tribal areas, including Karbi Anglong.
• This autonomous state would have its own Legislature or Council of Ministers or both.
• Article 244(A) offers more autonomy than the Sixth Schedule as it potentially allows for self-governance with broader legislative and administrative powers, including law and order.
  • Autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule offer decentralized governance in tribal areas through elected representatives.
  • However, their legislative, law enforcement, and financial powers are limited.

About Diphu Lok Sabha Constituency:

• Diphu is located in Assam and is the least populated among Assam’s 14 Lok Sabha constituencies with approximately 8.9 lakh voters.
• This constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes and spans across six legislative assembly segments in the tribal-majority hill districts of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao.

Administrative Framework:

• Governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which allows for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram through autonomous councils.
• The area is managed by two autonomous councils: the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.

Community Profile:

• Diverse ethnic groups including Karbi, Dimasa, Hmar, Kuki, Rengma Naga, Zeme Naga, Bodo, Garo, and others.

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