GUWAHATI, March 1 - The Government of India has found itself in an uncomfortable position regarding the report of the committee formed to recommend measures for implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord as the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister had time and again made public announcements that the suggestions of the committee would be implemented in letter and spirit.
Highly placed sources in the Government of India told The Assam Tribune that though the recommendations are not yet formally known to the Centre, almost all the major suggestions appeared in the media and the Government also came to know about it through its own agencies. Sources said that the reports on the recommendations of the committee have put the Government in an uncomfortable position as it may not be easy for the Centre to accept all the major recommendations.
Sources pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on several occasions, made public announcements that the Government would start the process of implementing all the recommendations of the committee as soon as they are submitted. On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah even announced in the Parliament that the recommendations of the committee would be implemented in letter and spirit. But now, it is seen from the media reports that there are recommendations that would be difficult for the Government to implement, sources said.
Sources pointed out that the Government may accept 1951 as the cut off year for determining indigenous people as reportedly recommended by the committee. But it will not be an easy task for the Government. On the issue of reservations also, it is doubtful whether it will be possible for the Government to accept the recommendation of the committee as �it is sure that some people will approach the Supreme Court in this regard.� It has already been reported that the committee recommended reservations of seats in Assembly, Parliament and local bodies for the indigenous people of the State.
However, there was difference of opinion among the members. The members belonging to the All Assam Students� Union (AASU) were for 100 per cent reservation, while, the other members called for 67 per cent reservation in addition to the existing reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Sources said that according to reports available, the committee has recommended introduction of Inner Line Permit system in Assam. But it remains to be seen whether such a proposal would be acceptable to the Government of India as introduction of ILP would take Assam out from the purview of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Despite widespread protests, the Centre has not agreed to withdraw the CAA from Assam and it is unlikely that the Centre would accept introduction of ILP in the State, sources pointed out.
It may be mentioned here that the report of the committee was accepted by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on behalf of the Union Home Minister. Moreover, the Joint Secretary (North East) of the Union Home Ministry, who was the member secretary of the committee, did not sign the report.
