ARTICLE 244 (A) (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: In Assam's tribal-majority Diphu Lok Sabha constituency, recently, candidates from all parties have pledged to implement Article 244(A) of the Constitution, aiming to establish an autonomous 'state within a state’.

Article 244 (A) of Indian Constitution

• About: It was introduced by The Constitution (Twenty-second Amendment) Act, 1969.
• Purpose: It allows Parliament to create an autonomous state within Assam, encompassing specified tribal areas, including Karbi Anglong.
• Features: The autonomous state established under Article 244(A) would possess its own Legislature and Council of Ministers, or both.
• Comparison with Sixth Schedule Provisions: Article 244(A) extends beyond the provisions of the Sixth Schedule, providing for more autonomy.

o Unlike autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule, the autonomous state has broader legislative powers and potential control over law and order.

Diphu

• Location and Population: Diphu is situated in the state of Assam, India, and stands as the most sparsely populated Lok Sabha constituency among Assam's 14, comprising approximately 8.9 lakh voters.
• Coverage Area: Encompassing six legislative Assembly segments, Diphu spans across three tribal-majority hill districts of Assam: Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao.
• Governance Framework: The administration of these districts falls under the provisions outlined in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, specifically addressing the administration of tribal areas in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• Autonomous Councils: Within this framework, Diphu and its surrounding areas operate under two autonomous councils: the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.