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General Knowledge of Assam - Complete Guide

How Many Autonomous Councils Are There In Assam?

As of now, Assam has a total of 18 Autonomous Councils, established to safeguard the cultural, economic, and political rights of various tribal and ethnic communities in the state. These councils operate under both the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and state legislation.

Categories of Autonomous Councils:

  1. Sixth Schedule Autonomous District Councils (Under the Constitution):
    These have legislative, executive, and limited judicial powers.

    • Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) – Governed by Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)

    • Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)

    • Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC)

  2. State-Recognized Autonomous Councils (Under Assam Government Acts):
    These councils are created to preserve the identity and welfare of smaller ethnic groups.

    Examples include:

    • Mising Autonomous Council

    • Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council

    • Tiwa Autonomous Council

    • Deori Autonomous Council

    • Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council

    • Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council

    • Dimasa Hasao Autonomous Council

    • Bodo Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council

    • Moran Autonomous Council

    • Matak Autonomous Council

    • Koch Rajbongshi Autonomous Council

    • Chutia Autonomous Council

    • Gorkha Autonomous Council

    • Singpho Autonomous Council

    • Adivasi Welfare and Development Council

(The number may increase with new community-specific councils proposed or approved by the state legislature.)

Purpose of Autonomous Councils in Assam:

  • To provide self-governance for indigenous and tribal communities

  • To protect language, culture, and customs

  • To ensure focused socio-economic development in specific regions

  • To manage education, health, land use, and local governance

Did You Know?

  • The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution allows for greater autonomy, including the power to make laws in certain areas

  • Assam has the highest number of autonomous councils among Indian states, reflecting its rich ethnic diversity

Conclusion:

There are 18 autonomous councils in Assam, playing a crucial role in upholding the cultural and political rights of various ethnic groups. These councils showcase Assam’s unique commitment to inclusive governance and tribal empowerment.