Assam Assembly debates stalled Bodo Accord promises in BTR schools
Discussions in the Assam Assembly’s Question Hour focused on teacher shortages and the provincialisation of schools in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The debate highlighted delays in implementing Clause 6.3 of the Bodo Accord, which was meant to bring stability and development to the area.
MLA Lawrence Islary reminded lawmakers that the accord aimed to restore peace and progress in the conflict-affected region. Yet, many schools still face uncertainty over funding and recognition under existing laws.
The All BTC Senior Secondary School Employees' Association has demanded immediate provincialisation of schools and colleges in BTR. They argue that Clause 6.3 of the Bodo Accord should have been fully implemented by now. Instead, the Assam government is pushing the new Assam Education Bill 2025, which uses a 2006 base year for eligibility—excluding most BTR schools established after that date.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu explained that provincialisation requires proper documentation and eligibility criteria. Many schools in BTR lack these due to the region’s troubled history. The government has acknowledged the concerns but insists that any steps must follow legal provisions.
Clause 6.3 of the Bodo Accord covers Bodo-medium schools outside the BTC, but only those set up before January 1, 2006, currently qualify for provincialisation. This restriction has left newer institutions in limbo. To address the issue, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) may now draft its own provincialisation law, with support from the state government.
The debate underscores the challenges in fulfilling the Bodo Accord’s promises. Schools in BTR continue to face delays in funding and recognition, while the new education bill risks excluding many from provincialisation. The BTC’s potential new law could offer a solution, but its implementation remains uncertain.
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