The Deori Accord

The Government of Assam has been making earnest efforts to provide more power to different tribal and ethnic groups within Assam, to bring about speedy development in the areas inhabited by these groups. Towards this end, discussions were held with the leaders of different tribal groups, including Deoris. As a result of these discussions, it has been expedient to set up an Administrative Authority for the areas predominantly inhabited by the Deoris.

The Objectives of setting up the Administrative Authority are to provide maximum possible Autonomy within the framework of the Constitution of India for Social, Economic, Educational, Ethnic, and Cultural advancement of the Deori people in the State.

It is agreed that the State Government of Assam shall by suitable legislation, constitute a Council which shall be known as Deori Autonomous Council and which shall be the Apex Council consisting of satellite areas of village Council shall be constituted with population of 3000 to 5000 (three thousand to five thousand). The list of villages verified by the Deputy Commissioners and scrutinized by the Assam Institute of Research for Tribes and SCs is annexed.

Reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and 3 (three) seats shall be for women. MPs and MLAs belonging to reserved constituencies (ST) of the area shall be ex officio members of the Council. Each Village Council shall have an elected President and Vice-President, while the Autonomous Council shall have elected Chief Executive Councilors. The term of Office of the Deori Village Council and Deori Autonomous Council shall be 5 (five) years and co-terminus.

The Deori Village Council shall have executive power in respect of the execution of development schemes on 29 (twenty-nine) subjects and the Apex Council shall have power on 34 (thirty-four) subjects. State Government shall provide funds from TSP and other resources to the Apex Council. The DAC shall have the power to local resources that fall within their jurisdiction.

Views of the Deori Autonomous Council shall be given due regard for any Act enacted by the State Government on religious/social practices, customary laws, and procedures for ownership/transfer of land in the Council areas. However, the existing laws, unless amended, shall also apply in these areas.

The people of the Council area shall have equal opportunities for employment in different government departments as per the laws in force for the time being.

The Government of Assam shall constitute an Interim Council, which shall continue till the elections to the Council takes place. The election to the Council shall be held within 6 months from the date of signing this accord.

The Government of Assam and the Council shall ensure that the rights and interests of the non-tribal other than Deori as on today, living in the Council area, particularly, in the matters of land, industry, trade & commerce, etc, shall be protected.

The Government of Assam shall provide adequate funds for the immediate construction of Late Bhimbar Deori Memorial Bhawan at Guwahati.

The Government of Assam shall take up measures for survey and settlement of land in the Deori Autonomous Council area and undertake initiatives for allotting Land patta to Deori and other tribal people.