Bodo Accord

The Tripartite Bodo Accord is a peace treaty signed on 27th January 2020, between the Assam State Government, Central Government, and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland. The objective was to stop separatist demands from the Bodo-Kachari community and bring peace.

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on 22nd March 2021, promised implementation of the clauses under the Bodo Agreement within two-and-a-half years.

The following article explains the Bodo Accord and its key points to help UPSC Exam aspirants prepare better.

Key Highlights of the Bodo Accord

• The Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) was renamed Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) on 27th January 2020, as a part of a peace treaty.
• The Bodo Peace Accord signed in 2020 is an extension of the existing agreement of 2003. The Bodo Accord attempts to strengthen the Bodo Territorial Region’s legislative, administrative, and financial status.
• Bodoland Territorial Region or BTR comprises Udalguri, Kokrajhar, Baksa and Chirang districts, accounting for up to 10% of Assam’s population and 11% of its area.
• Bodo-populated areas would aid efficient governance in Sixth Schedule administrative units in existing Bodoland Territorial Area Districts of Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang and Udalguri.
• The BTAD and area under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution are exempt from the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019.
• This accord promises to form a committee including representatives from Bodoland Territorial Council and All Bodo Students Union to decide the inclusion and exclusion of new areas. This increased the number of assembly seats from 40 to 60.
• The Indian Central Government has sanctioned ₹1500 crore as a Special Development Package for Bodo areas’ development. This treaty has promised to pay ₹5 lakh to families of deceased who participated in the Bodo movement.
• According to the Economics Times, the Government has already rehabilitated 2774 ex-cadres of the NDFB by 2021.
• Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said that nearly 4949 landless families in BTR would receive land pattas to ensure exclusive land rights to residents.

The following points will help answer the Bodo Accord UPSC questions with ease. Additionally, students should learn about the Bodo tribe and the accord formation’s background to clear UPSC Prelims.

Also, read:

Who are the Bodo Tribe?

• Bodo is the largest community among Scheduled Tribes in Assam. They are a part of Bodo-Kachari that constitute up to 6% of Assam’s population.
• Earlier, these tribes were segregated from other parts of India, leading to a poor economy and high illiteracy within the tribe. This led to the Bodoland movement in the late 80s, under the leadership of Upendra Nath Brahma.
• A Bodoland Territory Council was formed by the All Bodo Students Union and militant group Bodo Liberation Tiger to preserve Bodos’ culture, identity, and language.
• According to the Indian Express, the autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council has decided to return 1996, 2008 and 2012 Assam riot survivors to their villages. BTC authorities plan to build accommodations for these refugees under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

UPSC and IAS aspirants should know the background of the Bodo Accord formation, besides the above details to answer the current affairs section.

Background of the Bodo Accord

• The demand for a separate Bodo state came in 1967-68.
• The Assam Accord of 1985 led to Bodo aspirations and revival of Bodo statehood demand by ABSU.
• The Bodo Security Force renamed itself to NDFB and later split into different groups.
• First Bodo Accord signed in 1993 led to the formation of the Bodoland Autonomous Council.
• The Central and State Governments, along with the extremist group Bodo Liberation Tiger Force signed the Second Bodo Accord in 2003. This led to the formation of BTC, an autonomous body under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• On 27th January 2020, Assam State Government, Central Government, and the National democratic front of Bodoland signed a third accord.

Apart from the above pointers, individuals preparing for UPSC 2022 exams should know the benefits of the Bodo Accord for the Bodo community.

This accord will unify leading stakeholders under a single framework. Individuals associated with armed resistance groups can now legally contribute to India’s progress.

Bodo Accord aims to protect and preserve the unique Bodo culture and language. It plans to promote growth and development of tribal communities by building schools and hospitals.

According to the Economic Times, the Government has intended to set up a Bodoland University campus at Udalguri. The Kokrajhar Medical College will be open to the public from 15th August 2023. 

Individuals preparing for UPSC and IAS exam can follow this article for points on the Bodo Accord. They can also refer to study materials, educational portals, and news channels for updates on the Bodo Accord 2022.