High-level committee to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord

New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the setting up of a high-level committee to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord which obligates the Centre to provide constitutional, legislative and administrative measures to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the indigenous communities of Assam.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the committee will hold discussions with all stakeholders and assess the required quantum of reservation of seats in Assam Assembly and local bodies for Assamese people.

The Committee will also assess the requirement of measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam, quantum of reservation in employment under Government of Assam and other measures to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of Assamese people, he said.

The composition and terms of reference of the committee will be issued separately by the Ministry of Home Affairs at a later date.

"The setting up of the committee will pave the way for the implementation of the Assam Accord in letter and spirit and will help fulfil longstanding expectations of the Assamese people," said Singh.

The Cabinet has also approved the establishment of a Bodo Museum-cum-language and cultural study center, modernisation of existing All India Radio station and Doordarshan Kendra at Kokrajhar.

A superfast train named "Aronai Express" has also been approved that will run through the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD).

Relevant Ministries will take the required actions to implement these decisions. The state government will also take necessary measures related to appropriate land policy and land laws, besides setting up of institutions for research and documentation of customs, traditions and languages of indigenous communities," added the minister.