Chapter – III

BODOLAND TERRITORIAL COUNCIL, ASSAM: A PROFILE

Chapter – III

BODOLAND TERRITORIAL COUNCIL, ASSAM:

A PROFILE

3.0 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter of the work, the Bodoland Movement, formation of BTC,

demographic profile of the area, education, terraces, law and order, library service,

graphical profile are being discussed. BTC is an autonomous council within the

state of Assam under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. It has been

formed with the aim to fulfill the long pending aspiration of the area. The

Memorandum of Settlement (2003) signed by three parties – Government of

India, Government of Assam and Bodo Liberation Tigers explores various aspects

on the formation of BTC within the state of Assam. Important aspects as reflected

in the Memorandum are being discussed in this chapter.

“The Government of India and the Government of Assam have been

making concerted efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the Bodo people relating to

their cultural identity, language, education and economic development. Towards

the end, a series of talks were held between Government of India, Government of

Assam and Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) since March, 2000. As a result, it was

agreed to create self- governing body for the Bodo areas in the State of Assam.”

“The main objectives of the agreement are to create an Autonomous self-governing

body to be known as Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) within the State of

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Assam and to provide Constitutional protection under Sixth Schedule of the Indian

Constitution to the said Autonomous body, to fulfill economic, educational and

linguistic aspiration and prevention of land right, socio-cultural and ethnic identity

of the Bodos, and to speed up infrastructural development in BTC area.”

The total villages and areas is divided into 4 districts after reorganization of

the existing districts of Assam. The Bodoland Territorial Council comprises the

districts of Kokrajhar, Baska, Udalguri and Chirang-curved out of eight existing

districts-Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, Darrang and

Sonitpur, as discussed above.

BTC has been further subdivided into 10 Civil Subdivisions and 40

Development Blocks, some of which are partly in BTC area and partly outside. The

provisional geographical area of BTC is 8795 Sq.Km.

Figure 3.1: Map of Assam indicating Four Districts of BTC area

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Figure 3.2: Map of BTC indicating Four Administrative Districts

3.1 Status of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)

The Provision of the Sixth Schedule and other relevant Articles of the

Constitution of India are applied to BTC, mutatis mutandis in terms of the

agreement of the MoS. The safeguards/ modifications for the non-tribals in BTC

area, inter-alia include the following:

3.1.1 The provision of para 1(2) of the Sixth Schedule regarding Autonomous

Regions is not applicable to BTC.

3.1.2 A provision is made in para 2(1) of Sixth Schedule for increasing the

number of members for BTC up to 46 out of which 30 is reserved for

Schedule Tribes, 5 for non-tribal communities, 5 open for all communities

and 6 to be nominated by Governor of Assam from the unrepresented

communities from BTC area of which at least 2 should be women. The

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nominated members have the same rights and privileges as other members

including voting rights. The election from the 40 constituency is based on

adult franchise and the term of the elected members is of 5 years.

3.1.3 Safeguards for the settlement rights, transfer and inheritance of property

etc. of non-tribal is suitably incorporated in para 3 of the Sixth Schedule.

Any such law as may be as may be made by the BTC in this regard will not,

in particular:

(a) Extinguish the rights and privileges enjoyed by any citizen of India in respect of his land at the commencement of BTC, and

(b) Bar any citizen from acquiring land either by way of inheritance, allotment, settlement or by way of transfer if such citizens were eligible for bonafide acquisition of land within the BTC area.

3.1.4 The provision is added in para 6 of the Sixth Schedule that in BTC area,

language and medium of instruction in educational institutions will not be

changed without approval of the State Government.

3.1.5 The provision of para 8 of Sixth Schedule regarding power to assess and

collect land revenue and impose taxes shall be applicable to BTC.

3.1.6 Para 10 of the Sixth Schedule will not be applicable to BTC area.

3.1.7 Provisions of Article 332(6) of the Constitution is so modified that the

existing status of representation of BTC area in State Assembly is kept

intake. After the creation of BTC, the Parliamentary and Assembly

Constituencies shall be delimited by the Delimitation Commission in

accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

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3.1.8 The Panchayati Raj system ceases to be in force in the council area, the

powers of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in such matters is vested with the

Council.

The amendments to the Sixth Schedule include provisions in such a manner

that no-tribal are not disadvantaged in relation to the rights enjoyed by them at the

commencement of BTC and their rights and privileges including land rights are

fully protected.

3.2 Powers and Functions

3.2.1 The council have legislative powers in respect to subjects transferred to it.

All laws made under this paragraph need to be submitted forthwith to the

Governor and until assented to by the Governor, do not have any effect.

The BTC have executive administrative and financial powers in respect of

subjects transferred to it. (Memorandum of Settlement, 2003). As per

Memorandum of Settlement in the tripartite talks in the year 2003, 40

(Forty) subjects has been entrusted to the BTC Authority for all round

development of the people in this area. Subjects namely (i) Tribal Research

Institute, (ii) Lotteries and Theatres etc., (iii) Intoxicating liquors etc., (iv)

Registration of Birth and Death yet to be taken up by the council.

3.2.2 The Executive council is comprising of not more than 12 Executive

Members, one of whom is Chief and another one Deputy Chief of the

Executive Council. There should be adequate representation for the

non-tribal members in the Executive Council. The chief and the Deputy

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Chief of the Council have the status equivalent to the Cabinet Ministers and

other Executive Members equivalent to the Minister of the State of Assam

for protocol purposes in BTC area.

3.2.3 The BTC have the full control over the officers and staffs connected with

the delegated subjects working in the BTC area and is competent to transfer

these officers and staff within the BTC area.

3.2.4 BTC is competent to make appointments for all posts under its control in

accordance with the rules of appointment followed by the government of

Assam. However, the posts, where recruitment is made on the

recommendation of APSC, shall not be covered under this provision. The

council may constitute a Selection Board for appointments to be made by it

and may also make rules, with the approval of the Governor of Assam, to

regulate appointments and to ensure adequate representation for all

communities living in the Council area.

3.2.5 The BTC has the power to create posts in the various departments only after

taking concurrence of the Government of Assam and have to abide by the

decision of the Government of Assam in respect of abolition of /

temporarily keeping vacant any post.

3.2.6 Development functions and bodies within the competence of BTC is

transferred to BTC. In respect of District Rural Development Agency

(DRDA), concurrence of Government of India need to be obtained.

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3.2.7 The offices of the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendent of Police is

outside the superintendence and control of BTC.

3.2.8 The State Government provides an amount, decided every year on

population ratio basis, as grants-in aid in two equal installments to the BTC

for executing developmental works. The proportionate share for the BTC is

calculated on the basis of the plan funds available after setting aside the

funds required for earmarked sectors and the salary. This amount may be

reduced proportionately if the state plan allocation is reduced or there is

plan cut due to resource problems. I addition, the Council is paid a suitable

amount of plan funds and non-plan funds to cover the office expenses and

the salaries of the staff working under the BTC. The BTC disburses the

salaries of the staff under the control of BTC and maintains strict economy

in the matter.

3.2.9 The BTC is entrusted to prepare a plan with the amounts likely to be

available for development works, both under State share and Central share,

covering any or all activities of the departments under the control of BTC.

The Council has full discretion in selecting the activities and choosing the

amount for the investment under the same in any year covering all groups

of people in fair and equitable manner. This plan is treated as sub-set of

State plan and is treated as its integral part. Once the plan of the State

including BTC plan, gets approval from the Planning Commission, the

BTC authority can start execution of the plan in the area. Modifications, if

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any, made by Planning Commission in the BTC proposal, is binding on the

BTC authority. The State Government can’t divert the funds allocated to

the BTC to other heads and also ensure its timely release. BTC may have

Planning Department to prepare the plans for BTC area to be submitted to

Planning Commission through the Government of Assam.

3.2.10 The executive functions of the BTC is exercised through its Principal

Secretary who is an officer of the rank not below that of Commissioner/

Secretary to the Government of Assam. The sanctioning powers of the

Government of Assam is vested with the Principal Secretary of BTC and

sanctioning powers of head(s) of the Department(s) including for technical

sanction is conferred on the senior most officer of that Department

preferably not below the rank of Additional Director, who may be

designated as Director of BTC for that department. The Principal Secretary

and other officers exercise their powers under the overall guidance and

supervision of BTC.

3.3 LAW AND ORDER

To strengthen the Police administration, Government of Assam has

appointed an Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the 4 districts of BTC and the

jurisdiction of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Kokrajhar is also modified to

cover these districts. But the overall Law and Order is the subject of the State

Government of Assam.

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3.4 BRIEF BACKROUND OF BODOLAND MOVEMENT

The movement of the Bodos started as a sociocultural movement amongst

the Bodo-Kacharis tribe and aimed at securing goal of socio-economic, political

and cultural identity. The movement has developed into a socio-political

movement, demanding a separate state within the Indian Union as of now. Bodos

first raised the demand for a separate homeland during the British rule. To

accelerate the movement different organisations were formed. All Assam Plains

Tribal League (AAPTL) in 1933, Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) in 1952, Plains Tribal

Council of Assam (PTCA) in 1967 and All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) in 1967

were formed. With the formation of these organisations the socio-political

movement got more accelerated for the political power and self-identity. This

movement and consciousness among the Bodo Masses gradually took a definite

form and developed for the demand of statehood called Bodoland for safeguarding

the interest of Bodos through political set up. As of now, the Bodos under the

banner of ABSU is leading a movement called mass revolution to achieve

-separate state called “Bodoland” on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra,

autonomous district councils in the tribal dominated areas on the south bank of the

Brahmaputra., inclusion of ‘Bodo-Kacharis’ of Karbi Anglong in the Sixth

Schedule of the Constitution of India (Basumatary, 2010).

The movement for the Bodoland continued with two approaches- Socio

Political movement and the Arm movement. The various social and students

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organisations like All Bodo Students Union (ABSU). Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS),

All Bodo Womens Welfare Association (ABWWF) and other led the Bodoland

Movement through social and political movement. On the other hand arm

movement was led by some armed organisations like Bodoland Liberation Tigers

(BLT) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). First accord was

signed between the ABSU, State Government and the Central Government in 1993

for the Creation of Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC), and the second accord

was signed in the year 2003 between the BLT, State Government and the Central

Government for the Creation of BTC under the amended Sixth Schedule of the

Indian Constitution.

3.5 LIBRARY SERVICES

Basically there are three types of library services in the BTC area namely

Public and Rural, Academic and Special. Academic and Public and Rural Libraries

form major part of the library services in BTC area. Special library consists of

Engineering and Technical College Library, Law College Library, ITI Library etc.

But the extent of library services in the BTC area is not up to the mark in the

present day context.

3.5.1 Public Library

The public and rural library service in BTC operates under the Secretariat

of BTC where they have a separate Directorate for Library Services. There is one

Executive Member (EM) of the Council for monitoring and overall developmental

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planning activities of the public and rural libraries in the BTC area. Under the EM

there is one Council Head of the Department (CHD) cum Director, Directorate of

Library Services, BTC. There is one Librarian each in Bodoland Central Library,

each district, sub-divisional and rural libraries. Thus the public library system in

the BTC is controlled.

3.5.2 Academic Library

Academic libraries consist of libraries in Colleges, Higher Secondary

Schools and Bodoland University. BTC has no direct functionary mechanism to

control these libraries but the BTC authority can plan and implement

developmental projects for these libraries. These academic libraries play important

role in providing library services mainly to the student and staff of their

institutions. But the services provided by them is not satisfactory at all.

3.5.3 Special Library

Special library consists of Engineering College Library, Industrial Training

Institute (ITI) library, Law College library, Fine Arts College Library, Teachers’

Training Institute Library and some other specialized nature of organisations.

These libraries except engineering college library have almost failed to provide

services to the students, as well as to the teachers. But the engineering college

libraries are providing excellent service to the students as well as teachers with

almost all the modern facilities.

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3.6 LITERACY AND EDUCATION

3.6.1 Literacy

The literacy rate of Assam is not so satisfactory comparing with other states

of India due to a number of reasons. According to the Census Report of India the

literacy rate of Assam since 1951 to 2011 is as under the following table.

Table 3.1: Literacy Rate of Assam, 1951 to 2011

Year Persons Male Female

1951 18.53 28.01 7.58

1961 32.95 44.28 18.62

1971 33.94 43.72 22.76

*1981 - - -

1991 52.89 61.87 43.03

2001 63.25 71.28 54.61

2011 73.18 78.81 67.27

* Note: The 1981 Census could not be held owing to disturbed conditions prevailing in Assam. Source: Census of India, 2011 (Provisional)

As per the above table the literacy rate of Assam is 18.53 in 1951, 32.95 in

1961, 33.94 in 1971, 52.89 in 1991, 63.25 in 2001 and 73.18 in 2011. However the

census was not conducted in 1981 due to disturbed law and order situation in the

state. There seems to be improvement in the literacy rate of Assam but this

improvement is not up to the mark in compare to other developed states. The gap

between male female literacy rates is prevailing since 1951, since the starting of

the census in India.

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The literacy rate in the BTC area i.e. Kokrajhar, Baksa Chirang and

Udalguri are far below the literacy rate of other districts of Assam due to a number

of reasons. The following table shows the ranking of districts of Assam in terms of

its literacy rate.

Table 3.2: Ranking of Districts by Literacy Rate and Sex: 2011

Person Male Female

Rank Districts Literacy Rate Rank Districts Literacy

Rate Rank Districts Literacy Rate

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 *Kamrup Metropolitan 88.66 1 *Kamrup

Metropolitan 91.26 1 *Kamrup Metropolitan 85.82

2 Jorhat 83.42 2 Jorhat 88.38 2 Jorhat 78.22 3 Sivasagar 71.36 3 Sivasagar 86.75 3 Sivasagar 75.69 4 Cachar 80.36 4 Cachar 85.85 4 Cachar 74.62 5 *Nalbari 79.89 5 Karimganj 85.70 5 *Nalbari 73.85 6 Karimganj 79.72 6 *Nalbari 85.58 6 Karimganj 73.49 7 Dima Hasao 78.99 7 Dima Hasao 85.34 7 Golaghat 72.18 8 Lakhimpur 78.39 8 Lakhimpur 84.66 8 Dima Hasao 72.15 9 Golaghat 78.31 9 Golaghat 84.20 9 Lakhimpur 71.91 10 Dibrugarh 76.22 10 Dibrugarh 82.59 10 Dibrugarh 69.52 11 Hailakandi 75.26 11 Karbi Anglong 82.12 11 Nagaon 69.21 12 Nagaon 73.78 12 Hailakandi 81.61 12 Hailakandi 68.54 13 Karbi Anglong 73.52 13 *Baksa 78.55 13 *Kamrup 67.69 14 *Kamrup 72.81 14 Nagaon 78.19 14 *Bongaigaon 65.18 15 Tinsukia 70.92 15 Tinsukia 77.89 15 Morigaon 64.99 16 *Baksa 70.53 16 *Kamrup 77.64 16 Karbi Anglong 64.62 17 *Bongaigaon 70.44 17 *Sonitpur 76.98 17 Goalpara 64.53 18 *Sonitpur 69.96 18 Dhemaji 75.66 18 Tinsukia 63.54 19 Morigaon 69.37 19 *Bongaigaon 75.48 19 *Sonitpur 62.53 20 Dhemaji 69.07 20 *Udalguri 73.79 20 *Baksa 62.23 21 Goalpara 68.67 21 Morigaon 73.66 21 Dhemaji 62.13 22 *Kokrajhar 66.63 22 *Kokrajhar 73.44 22 *Darrang 60.40 23 *Udalguri 66.60 23 Goalpara 72.67 23 *Kokrajhar 59.54 24 *Barpeta 65.03 24 *Chirang 71.35 24 *Udalguri 59.17 25 *Chirang 64.71 25 *Barpeta 70.72 25 *Barpeta 59.04 26 *Darrang 64.55 26 *Darrang 68.36 26 *Chirang 57.87 27 *Dhubri 59.36 27 *Dhubri 64.20 27 *Dhubri 54.26

* Note: Due to creation of 4 new districts, the rates for 2001 have been affected in 12 districts. Source: Census of India, 2011 (Provisional)

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The above table indicates the district wise rate of literacy and their rankings

where Kamrup Metropolitan District tops in the list with 88.66% and Dhubri

district in the bottom with literacy rate of 59.36%.

In case of the districts which are under the control BTC, Baksa district is in

the top among the 4 districts with literacy rate of 70.53% and Chirang in the bottom

with the literacy rate of 64.71%. Kokrajhar district comes in the second place and

Udalguri in the third place respectively as the table shows.

In the overall ranking of districts of Assam by literacy rate, the place of

four district of BTC area are as : Baksa in 16th Place, Kokrajhar in 22nd Place,

Udalguri in 23rd Place and Chirang in 25th Place which is lower in compare to other

districts.

Figure 3.3: Graph of Literacy Rate by District Source: Census of India, 2011 (Provisional)

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3.6.2 Education

The Department of Education in the four districts of BTC is under the

control of BTC Authority. BTC is entrusted to work in the overall developmental

activities for the School Education, General College Education, Vocational

Education except Technical Education and University Education. The control of

Education Department lies on the Executive Member of BTC who is given the

charge of Education through the Director of Education. The following Table 3.3

shows important educational institution under BTC.

Table 3.3: Important Educational Institutions of BTC Area

Sl. No. Name of College/ Institutions Status of the

Institutions/Colleges

1. Bodoland University (BU), Kokrajhar State University

2. Central Institute of Technology (CIT), Kokrajhar Technical Institute Under MHRD, Govt. of India

3. Bineswar Brahma Engineering College, Kokrajhar State Engineering College

4. ITI Dhaoliguri, Kokrajhar State ITI

5. ITI Salakati, Kokrajhar Under NTPC, BTC, State Govt.

6. Govt. College of Teachers Education, Kokrajhar State Govt.

7. District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Kokrajhar

-Do-

8. Basic Training Centre (BTC), Kokkrajhar -Do-

9. Gossaigaon College, Gossaigaon Provincialised College

10. Janata College, Serfanguri -Do-

11. Bijni College, Bijni -Do-

12. B.B. Kishan College, Jalah -Do-

13. Barama College, Barama -Do-

14. Goreswar College, Goreswar -Do-

15. Tangla College, Tangla -Do-

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16. Udalguri College, Udalguri -Do-

17. Gyanpith Mahavidyalaya, Nikashi Deficit Jr. College

18. Salbari College, Salbari -Do-

19. Tamulpur College, Salbari -Do-

20. Tamulpur Commerce College, Tamulpur -Do-

21. Tamulpur College, Tamulpur -Do-

22. Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha College, Orang -Do-

23. Assam Jyoti College, Seerajuli -Do-

24. Kalaigaon Jr. College, Kalaigaon -Do-

25. Girls’ College, Kokrajhar Degree College (Permanent Affiliation) deficit system of

GIA by BTC Govt.

26. Science College, Kokrajhar -Do-

27. Commerece College, Kokrajhar -Do-

28. Fakiragram College, Fakiragram -Do-

29. Swami Yoganandagiri College, SaktiAshram -Do-

30. Basugaon College, Basugaon -Do-

31. Bengtol College, Bengtol -Do-

32. Gyanpith Degree College, Mazbat -Do-

33. Koirabari College, Koirabari -Do-

34. Bodofa U.N. Brahma College, Dotma Degree College having TDC Part-II Govt. Concurrence

35. U.N. Brahma College, Kajolgaon -Do-

36. Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha Degree College, Orang -Do-

37. Gossaigaon B.Ed College, Gossaigaon Degree College/ B. Ed College (Venture)

38. Udalguri B.Ed College, Udalguri -Do-

39. Tamulpur College, tamulpur -Do-

40. Zamduar College, Saraibil -Do-

41. Kokrajhar Law College, Kokrajhar -Do-

42. Thamna Anchalik Degree College, Baksha -Do-

43. Music and Fine Arts College, Kokrajhar -Do-

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44. Bodofa U.N. Brahma Jr. College Jr. College Recognized by the AHSEC, Assam

45. Tipkai Jr. College, Tipkai -Do-

46. Bogribari Jr. College, Bogribari -Do-

47. Zamduar College, Saraibil -Do-

48. U.N. Brahma College, Kajolgaon -Do-

49. Dakshin Bijni Jr. College, Anandabazar -Do-

50. Mushalpur Jr. College, Mushalpur -Do-

51. Baksha College, Baganpara -Do-

52. Kumarikhata Jr. College, Kumarikata -Do-

53. Thamna Anchalik Jr. College, Chapaguri -Do-

54. Koklabari Jr. College, Koklabari -Do-

55. Nagrijuli Jr. College, Nagirjuli -Do-

56. Rajib Gandhi College, Nokuchi, Niz Namati -Do-

57. Barimakha Jr. College, Barimakha -Do-

58. Rowta College, Rowta -Do-

59. North Darrang College, tangla -Do-

60. St. N.N. College, Kachugaon Jr. Venture College

61. Salakati Jr. College, Salakati -Do-

62. Rabi Hazi Jr. College, Gossaigaon -Do-

63. Basugaon College ( Jr.) Basugaon -Do-

64. Anandaram Baruah Academy, Bijni -Do-

65. Ramdhenu College, Dhupgurigaon, Simlaguri -Do-

66. Sarat Bhagabati Sunrise Academy, Barama -Do-

67. Bishnuram Memorial Jr. College -Do-

68. Dimakuchi College (Jr.) Dimakuchi -Do-

3.7 DEMOGRAPHY

The population of BTC area as per 2001 Census report is 29.2 Lakhs out of

which the ST population is around 52% and only 3% of the total population live

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in urban area. The average density of the population in BTC is 326 Sq.km.

compared to 340 per Sq.km. of Assam. Amongst the Tribal population Bodos,

Rabhas and less number of Garos are inhabiting in this area Bodo population being

90%. The other communities like Ransbanhis, Sarania which have been originated

from Bodo group are also inhabiting in large part of BTC. Besides Tea and other

Ex-Tea tribes including Santhal, Orao, etc. are also available in two packets.

Moreover, other general communities like Bengali, Assamese, Nepali and few

number of Hindi speaking people are also found in the Council area

(www.bodoland.in).

According to the 2011 census the total population of Assam is found

31169272 where Nagaon district tops with total population of 2826006 and Dima

Hasao in the bottom with total population of 213529. Baksa, Kokrajhar, Udalguri

and Chirang districts comes in 18th, 20th, 21st and 26th respectively in the ranking of

districts by population. Baksa has total population of 953773, Kokrajhar 886999,

Udalguri 832769 and Chirang 481818 (Census of India, 2011).

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Table 3.4: Ranking of Districts by Population Size in 2001 and 2011

Rank in

2011 State/Districts Population

2011

Percentage to total

population of the state 2011

State/district Population 2001

Percentage to total

population of the state 2001

Rank in

2001

Assam 31,169,272 100.00 Assam 26,655,528 100.00

1 Nagaon 2,826,006 9.07 Nagaon 2,314,629 8.68 1

2 *Dhubri 1,948,632 6.25 *Sonitpur 1,665,125 6.25 2

3 *Sonitpur 1,925,975 6.18 *Dhubri 1,566,396 5.88 3

4 Cachar 1,736,319 5.57 Cachar 1,444,921 5.42 4

5 *Barpeta 1,693,190 5.43 *Barpeta 1,394,755 5.23 5

6 *Kamrup 1,517,202 4.87 *Kamrup 1,311,698 4.92 6

7 Dibrugarh 1,327,748 4.26 Dibrugarh 1,185,072 4.45 7

8 Tinsukia 1,316,948 4.23 Tinsukia 1,150,062 4.31 8

9 *Kamrup Metropolitan 1,260,419 4.04 *Kamrup

Metropolitan 1,059,578 3.98 9

10 Karimganj 1,217,002 3.90 Sivasagar 1,051,736 3.95 10

11 Sivasagar 1,150,253 3.69 Karimganj 1,007,976 3.78 11

12 Jorhat 1,091,295 3.50 Jorhat 999,221 3.75 12

13 Golaghat 1,058,674 3.40 Golaghat 946,279 3.55 13

14 Lakhimpur 1,040,644 3.34 Lakhimpur 889,010 3.34 14

15 Goalpara 1,008,959 3.24 *Baksa 857,947 3.22 15

16 Karbi Anglong 965,280 3.10 *Kokrajhar 843,243 3.16 16

17 Marigaon 957,853 3.07 Goalpara 822,035 3.08 17

18 *Baksa 953,773 3.06 Karbi Anglong 813,311 3.05 18

19 *Darrang 908,090 2.91 Marigaon 776,256 2.91 19

20 *Kokrajhar 886,999 2.85 *Darrang 759,858 2.85 20

21 *Udalguri 832,769 2.67 *Udalguri 758,746 2.85 21

22 *Nalbari 769,919 2.47 *Nalbari 689,053 2.59 22

23 *Bongaigaon 732,639 2.35 *Bongaigaon 612,665 2.30 23

24 Dhemaji 688,077 2.21 Dhemaji 571,944 2.15 24

25 Hailakandi 659,260 2.12 Hailakandi 542,872 2.04 25

26 *Chirang 481,818 1.55 *Chirang 433,061 1.62 26

27 Dima Hasao 213,529 0.69 Dima Hasao 188,079 0.71 27

* Note: Due to creation of 4 new districts, the rates for 2001 have been affected in 12 districts. Source: Census of India, 2011 (Provisional)

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Figure 3.4: Comparative size of population of Districts according to 2011 Census Source: Census of India, 2011 (Provisional)

The above figure shows the comparative size of districts in terms of

population of the districts of Assam. It is seen that Kokrajhar district forms 2.85%,

while districts such as Baksa, Chirang and Udalguri are having population of

3.06%, 1.55% and 2.67% respectively of the total population of Assam.

3.8 GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE

The geographical boundary of BTC lies between 260 7'12'' N to 260 47' 50''

N Latitude and 890 47' 40'' E to 920 18' 30'' E Longitude and is in the North

Western part of Assam. Kokrajhar town the Administrative Head Quarter lies

roughly between 260 25' N Logitude and 990 16' 38'' E Latitude.

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3.9 TOURISM

BTC is blessed with natural beauty with rivers and vast forests covers and

abundant flora and fauna. Located in the foothills of Bhutan and bordering North

Bengal, BTAD has more than one-third of its land covered by pristine forests. The

main tourist attractions in the BTC area include the following:

3.9.1 Manas National Park

Manas the nature’s abode is at the foothills of Bhutan with its unique

biodiversity and landscape. The blending of the dense jungle and grassland at the

confluence of Indian, Ethiopian and Indo Chinese realms enhances it as one of the

richest region of wild animals. Manas National Park, world heritage site is a

favorite tourist destination in the BTC area. It attracts huge tourists from different

parts of the country and from other countries as well. Manas is famous for is

vibrant varities of flora and fauna diversity. The Park harbours 60 species of

mammals of which 23 has been listed in the Schedule 1 under the Indian Wildlife

Protection Act 1972. Pigmy Hog the world’s most endangered species is found in

Manas only in the world. Besides, endangered species like golden langur, the Park

is home for Elephant, Rhino, Bengal Tiger, Gaur, Wild Buffalo, Deer, wild Hogs,

and many other Reptiles, Birds and Bengal Florican.

3.9.2 Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary

Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary which is the only sanctuary in the world for

golden langurs, held sacred by people in the Himalayan region. It is the home for

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the rarest and most endangered species – Golden Langur (Presbytis Gee),

Leopards, Malayan giant squirrels, Chinese pangolins, Jungle Cats, Burmese rock

pythons and many other animals and birds. Some sites of interest in and around

Chakrasila are: Sikhri-Sikhla, Jarnagra, Baukhungri/Bakuamari Peak, Dibil

Thakur Peak, AnthaiGufur/Dangdufur, DheerBeel, DeeplaiBeel, Bhalukjhora and

Rubber Garden, etc.

3.9.3 Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary along the foothills of Indo-Bhutan border is the

eastern buffer zone of Manas Tiger Reserve with an area of 26.21 sq.km. It is an

important elephant corridor and is famous for sightings for Gaur or Indian Bison,

Tiger, Leopard, Capped Langur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Pigmy Hog,

Slow Loris, Dhole, Peacock and Hispid Hare. It is also a rich birding area of

Peafowl and hornbill.

3.9.4 Other Important Tourist Attraction

The other important tourist attractions in the BTC area are:

3.9.4.1 Kalamati

Kalamati which literally means ‘black soil’ and the western buffer zone of

Manas National Park is a favorable spot for people who love to explore

nature. The place derived its name from a distinct band of salty, mineral rich black

soil that attracts Elephants, Gaurs and Sambar in large numbers to have a lick of

this natural salty soil. This special tourist spot is for people who love geological

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natural beauty. The forest comes alive in spring with the flowering of trees that

ignites a festive mood. It is during this time that a 3 day Kalamati festival is held on

the river bed under the open sky.

3.9.4.2 Ultapani

Ultapani which literally means “reverse water” is a part of larger landscape

of Manas Biosphere and is just 36 Kms from Kokrajhar. The habitat is a rich

dwelling place of Butterflies, Pied Hornbills and wild Orchids, intertwined with

trees, creepers, ferns and the rippling river. The forest also boost of its botanical

wealth of about 393 species of di-cotyledons including 197 trees and 98 species of

monocotyledons. It is also a favourite dwelling area for Indian elephant, Golden

Langur, Capped Langur, Tiger, Clouded leopard, leopard, Golden Cat, Fishing

Cat, Swamp Deer, Sambar, etc.

3.9.4.3 Kachugaon Reserve Forest

It is a famous reserve forest of timber treasure of Vintage Sal trees. The

famous attraction of this spot is the historical remains of the steam engine along

with the shed and the tram line that has been abandoned for ages. Animal sighting

include Elephant, Golden Langur, Spotted Deer, Wild Dog, Yellow throated

Marten, Peafowl, etc.

3.9.4.4 Jamduar Reserve Forest

Jamduar is the tri junction of Bhutan, Assam and West Bengal. It is a place

with magnificent scenic beauty of the river Sankosh, Semi evergreen and moist

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deciduous forest straddling in the foothills of greater Himalayas. This is a hotspot

for nature lovers and picnic.

3.10 SOCIO ECONOMIC CONDITION

In the sphere of economic life of BTC area, agriculture still holds a

dominant position, but in the recent times occupation like service, trade and

commerce, etc are adopted in a small scale but increasing in nature with the present

growing needs of such sectors for the overall growth of the economy.

Agriculture has been dominant occupation of any rural society. It is also the

main occupation of the economic life of the BTC area. The Bodos who constitute

the major population generally cultivates for mustard seeds, tobacco, jute,

vegetables like potato, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, gourd, green leaves,

spices, chilly, onion, ginger, etc. for their daily use and economic gain purpose.

Castor plants are cultivated for producing Endi cocoon, which is a part of home

industries in spinning and weaving especially for women folk. For cultivation of

paddy, there are three kinds of cultivation of the land in the society. They are Self-

cultivation, Adhi system, Sukhani system.

(i) Self system- The owner cultivates his land with the help of his family or male labour (Dahwna) and female labour (Ruwati) for a season by giving them certain amount of paddy or wages.

(ii) Adhi system-In this system the land owner gives away his land to a cultivator for cultivation for a temporary phase and the total product of the land is distributed equally between his owner and the cultivator.

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(iii) Sukhani system- here the land owner fixes a contract with the cultivator, and the cultivator has to give a fixed quantity of product for each bigha of land he cultivated (Goswami, 2014).

3.11 CONCLUSION

The above description is a brief profile of the newly created Bodoland

Territorial Council (BTC) under the state of Assam. As a territorial council, BTC

has 4 administrative districts, where the provision of Sixth Schedule of the Indian

Constitution and the other relevant have been applied. The council enjoys all the

legislative powers in respect of subjects transferred to it. The area is also under the

control of an Inspector General of Police (IGP) for four districts for maintaining

law and order situation in the area. Regarding library services, the three types of

libraries are in existence under the council-Public, Academic and Special libraries.

The area has its distinct demographic feature. In the sphere of economic life, BTC

is still dominated by the agriculture. Manas National Park, Chakrasila Wildlife

Sanctuary, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary are the pride of the tourist destination in the

BTC area. The area still needs to go a long way for its all round development in

many points.

References

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Basumatary, Keshab. (2012). Political Economy of Bodo Movement. New Delhi: Akansha Publishing House.

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Bodoland Tourism (2003). Other attractions. Retrieved from http://www.bodo landtourism.org/TOURIST%20ATTRACTION/Reserve%20Forest.aspx

Bodoland Tourism. (2003). National Parks. Retrieved from http://www.bodoland tourism.org/TOURIST%20ATTRACTION/National%20Parks.aspx

Bodoland Tourism. (2003). Wildlife Sanctuaries. Retrieved From http://www.bodolandtourism.org/TOURIST%20ATTRACTION/Wild%20life%20Sanctuaries.aspx

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Misra, Udayon. (2012). Bodoland: The Burden of History. Economic & Political Weekly, 42(37), 36-42.

Nath, Monoj Kumar. (2003). Bodo Insurgency in Assam: New Accord and New Problems. Strategic Analysis, 27(4), 533-543.

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