New Delhi: A Bill to create an autonomous self-governing body for the Bodo tribals in Assam was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 6, marking a step forward in fulfilling the long-pending demand of these tribals.

The sixth schedule to the Constitution (amendment) Bill, 2003, to create the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) within Assam with legislative, administrative and financial powers, was adopted by a voice vote after a brief discussion.

Replying to the debate, Minister of State for Home Chinmayanand asserted that the Bill, based on the tripartite agreement between Bodo Liberation Tigers, Assam government and the Centre on February 10 this year, would provide adequate safeguards for the non-tribals in the BTC areas.

Allaying apprehensions by members about the security of non-tribals residing in the proposed BTC areas, he said it would "ensure that they are not put in any disadvantage in relation to any rights and privileges including the land rights presently enjoyed by them at the commencement of BTC".

To questions by Jayanta Rongpi (Communist Party of India – Marxist-Leninist) and Abdul Hamid (Congress) regarding inclusion of Koch-Rajbongshi community in the Scheduled Tribes (hills) list, Chinmayanand said government was considering the issue.

PTI