UPDS Accord

Salient features of the Memorandum of Settlement signed with UPDS are:

(a) Setting up of a committee under Assam Legislative Assembly as envisaged under Article 371B of the Constitution of India;

(b) Renaming of existing Council as Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC);

(c) Increasing seats in the Council upto 50 members of which 6 will be nominated by Governor for more representation (presently 30 seats out of which 4 nominated by Governor). However, proposed increase in seats from existing 26 to 44 elected seats and also nominated seats shall be applicable subsequent election to the Council due in 2016-17 or mid-term poll, if any, whichever is earlier.

(d) Setting up of Village Councils for deepening democratic process at the grass root level

(e) Transfer of additional subjects by the State of Assam to the Council along with legislation and executive powers;

(f) Setting up of State Finance Commission (SFC) and consideration of higher fund allocation to the council to undertake viable activity;

(g) Strict adherence to establish norms of financial management, proper audit of the accounts, etc.

(h) Measures for socio-economic, education, health, and cultural development;

(i) Special economic package of Rs.350 crore (Rs.70 cr. p.a.) over and above the plan fund over the next 5 years to KAATC for identified projects;

(j) Improvement of road connectivity, water supply and supply of power in Karbi Anglong District under existing schemes;

(k) Providing one-time grant for capacity building in KAATC for preparation of DPR etc.

(l) Rehabilitation of UPDS cadres; Withdrawal of cases relating to heinous crimes shall be reviewed case by case according to existing policy for withdrawal of such cases. Implementation of MoS will be reviewed periodically.

Amendments will be made in the relevant paragraphs of the Sixth Schedule for (b) to (f) above and other executive orders will be issued to implement the other provisions of MoS.

Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India.