GUWAHATI, April 27 - Governor�s Rule has been imposed in the Bodoland Territorial Council. Principal Secretary to the State Government Rajesh Prasad was appointed as Administrator of BTC. The term of the general council of BTC expired today and elections to the council, which were scheduled for April 4, had earlier been deferred on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
�... whereas the election in BTC was deferred indefinitely... and whereas the Governor of Assam is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the administration of the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. Now, therefore, the Governor of Assam, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 16 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, is pleased to assume to himself, with immediate effect, the administration of the said districts and all functions and powers vested in or exercisable by the BTC,� stated a notification issued by the Governor this evening. It added the order shall take immediate effect �and shall, unless terminated earlier or extended further, remain in force for a period of six months.�
In another notification, it was announced that the Governor �may appoint a person or authority to discharge the functions and powers of the BTC, including the functions and power exercised by the Executive Committee, Chief Executive Member, Deputy Chief Executive member, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Executive Members.�
It added that the Governor has appointed Rajesh Prasad, senior IAS officer and Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam, to exercise all the functions and powers exercisable by the BTC and its Executive Committee, Chief Executive Member and other representatives.
�... in exercising the functions and powers under this order Rajesh Prasad, IAS, shall be designated as the Administrator, Bodoland Territorial Council,� stated the notification.
It is noteworthy that both the BJP and the Congress had earlier urged Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi to take over administration of the BTC.
