Constitution Bill inserts new clause in Article 280 for Finance Commission recommendations
This Bill amends the Constitution of India to strengthen the autonomy of tribal areas in the Northeast by renaming District Councils as Autonomous Territorial Councils, establishing new Village and Municipal Councils, and expanding their financial and administrative powers.
The Bill affects the Autonomous Territorial Councils (formerly District Councils) in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura, as well as the newly created Village and Municipal Councils within these tribal areas. It also impacts the Governors of these states and the State Finance Commissions.
- Inserts a new clause in Article 280 requiring the Finance Commission to recommend measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement resources for District, Village, and Municipal Councils in tribal areas.
- Renames specific District Councils (e.g., Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Tripura Tribal Areas) as 'Autonomous Territorial Councils'.
- Specifies the maximum number of members and nomination requirements (including gender and tribal representation) for each Autonomous Territorial Council.
- Mandates the establishment of Village Councils for rural areas and Municipal Councils for urban areas within one year of the Act's commencement.
- Requires the reservation of not less than one-third of seats for women in Village and Municipal Councils.
- Vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections for these councils in a State Election Commission appointed by the Governor.
- Expands the list of subjects (powers) for which District Councils can make laws, adding areas such as health, education, forests, public works, and urban development.
- Allows the Governor to entrust specific powers and responsibilities to Village and Municipal Councils for economic development and social justice.
- Establishes a State Finance Commission to review the financial position of these councils and recommend tax distribution principles.
Written from the document by AI, and checked against it. The original below is authoritative.
Where this law is now — Introduced
The original document
Document details
| Official title | THE CONSTITUTION (ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019 |
| Source body | Parliament of India — Bills (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) |
| Reference number | VIII |
| Status | active (bill) |
| Year | 2019 |
| Closing date | — |
| Documents | 1 |