Guwahati: A national seminar organised by the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) at the Constitution Club of India has brought together tribal leaders, constitutional experts, parliamentarians and representatives from autonomous councils across the Northeast to push for immediate action on Sixth Schedule reforms and full implementation of the Bodo Accord of 2020.
The event began with tributes to Bodofa Upendranath Brahma and opening remarks by Chairperson Prof. Ramesh Bhardwaj. Key leaders in attendance included former BTR CEM and Bodo Accord signatory Pramod Boro; Tripura Minister for Tribal Welfare and Minorities Sukla Charan Noatia; former KHADC CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem; senior advocates Vijay Hansaria and Sabda Ram Rabha; and representatives from BTR, BKWAC, Tripura and Meghalaya.
In his keynote address, ABSU President Dipen Boro highlighted the urgent need to pass amendments related to Article 280 and the Sixth Schedule in the upcoming winter session. He stressed that several critical promises of the 2020 Bodo Accord — including council restructuring, village bodies, land rights and full utilisation of the Special Development Package — remain incomplete.
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Tripura Minister Sukla Charan Noatia noted that Tripura’s proposal for an upgraded Sixth Schedule structure has been pending with the Centre since 2019, despite widespread support. He emphasised the need for stronger constitutional protection for tribal councils.
Former KHADC leader Titosstarwell Chyne expressed concern over delays in promised consultations with the Union Government, urging unity among Northeast councils.
Senior Supreme Court advocate Vijay Hansaria stressed that accords must translate into concrete results, particularly in administration, finance and land governance.
Echoing four decades of struggle, former CEM Pramod Boro said the Bodo Accord carries the weight of thousands of lives lost. He appealed for the 125th Amendment Bill to be tabled in the winter session to uphold commitments made to the people.
The seminar concluded with a joint appeal to the Union and Assam governments for time-bound implementation of pending Accord clauses, Sixth Schedule reforms and improved financial autonomy for all ten autonomous councils. Delegates will hold a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on November 21 to continue pressing their demands.
