NE leaders seek quick action on Sixth Schedule reforms, Bodo Accord

AGENCIES & EOI, GUWAHATI, NOV 20, 2025 : Leaders from different tribal regions of the Northeast came together in New Delhi and made a united request to the Union Government to expedite pending reforms under the Sixth Schedule and complete the remaining work of the Bodo Accord of 2020.

The national seminar, organized by the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) at the Constitution Club of India, took place ahead of the winter session of Parliament, where key constitutional amendments are expected to be discussed. The program began with tributes to Bodofa Upendranath Brahma. Chairperson Prof. Ramesh Bhardwaj welcomed the gathering and outlined the seminar's purpose.

A large number of leaders from various autonomous councils, movement groups, legal fields, and political circles attended the event. Among them were former BTR Chief Executive Member and Bodo Accord signatory Pramod Boro, Tripura Minister for Tribal Welfare and Minorities Sukla Charan Noatia, former KHADC CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem, senior Supreme Court advocate Vijay Hansaria, senior Gauhati High Court advocate Sabda Ram Rabha, All Assam Tribal Sangha Secretary General Aditya Khakhlari, and other well-known names from BTR, BKWAC, Tripura, Meghalaya, and other tribal areas.

In his keynote address, ABSU President Dipen Boro said the seminar aimed to bring together all tribal councils and movement leaders seeking constitutional safeguards. He explained that the issues linked to Article 280 and the Sixth Schedule directly affect how councils in the region receive funds, make decisions, and carry out development work. He noted that although the Bodo Accord promised a stronger and more efficient council, many clauses remain unfulfilled. He urged the government to pass the pending amendments in the upcoming winter session.

Tripura Minister Sukla Charan Noatia stated that the seminar gave strength to tribal regions across the Northeast. He highlighted that Tripura had already submitted a proposal to the Centre in 2019 for an upgraded Sixth Schedule arrangement but was still awaiting action. He called on the Union Government to take serious note of the concerns of all ten autonomous councils in the region and move toward practical solutions.

Former KHADC MDC Titosstarwell Chyne emphasized that Meghalaya councils had been waiting for progress on earlier promises. He noted the lack of follow-up on the formation of a special committee and further talks discussed a year ago. He concluded that the seminar demonstrated the unity of tribal councils and their desire for meaningful reforms.