The Karbi Agreement: What You Need to Know for UPSC
On February 27, 2021, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) signed an agreement with the Assam government and the Centre to grant more autonomy to the Karbi Anglong district in Assam. The agreement has been hailed as a milestone in the region`s history and has garnered much attention in the mainstream media. As an aspiring civil servant, you need to be aware of the Karbi agreement and its implications for the region. In this article, we`ll discuss the salient features of the agreement and its relevance to the UPSC examination.
Background
Karbi Anglong is a district in the state of Assam, inhabited mainly by the Karbi tribe. The Karbis have been demanding greater autonomy and control over their resources for decades. The district has a history of violence, militancy, and inter-tribal clashes. In recent years, the demand for a separate state of `Karbi Anglong` has also gained momentum. However, the Karbi agreement is being seen as a fulfillment of some of those demands.
Salient Features of the Agreement
1. The KAAC will get more financial autonomy and administrative powers. The funds for the Council will be directly released by the Centre, bypassing the state government.
2. The KAAC will have the power to grant land pattas (land deeds) to the indigenous people of the district. This is seen as a major victory for the Karbi tribe, who have long been struggling to protect their land from encroachment.
3. The agreement provides for the creation of a Karbi Welfare Council, which will be responsible for the development of the Karbi community. The Council will have the power to implement schemes and programs for the welfare of the Karbis.
4. The agreement also promises to address the long-standing demand for the inclusion of Bodo-Kacharis and Dimasa in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. This is expected to resolve inter-tribal conflicts in the region.
Implications for the UPSC Exam
The Karbi agreement is likely to come up in the UPSC exam, especially in the General Studies paper. It is important to note that the UPSC does not expect you to memorize the agreement word for word, but it does expect you to have a basic understanding of the issues involved.
For example, you should know that the agreement grants more autonomy to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and provides for the creation of a Karbi Welfare Council. You should also understand the historical and cultural background of the Karbis and the demand for greater autonomy.
In conclusion, the Karbi agreement is a significant development in the history of the region and has implications for the UPSC exam. As an aspiring civil servant, you need to be aware of the agreement and its implications for the region. Be sure to keep yourself updated on the latest developments and analyze them critically. Good luck!