Prime Minister Inaugurated the First Bodo Mahotsav in New Delhi to celebrate the language, literature, and culture of the Bodo community.

Prime Minister’s Remarks at the Festival 

• He declared the North East, including Bodoland, as India’s Ashtalakshmi, a region of prosperity.
• He also emphasised mutual trust and efforts to integrate former conflict zones into the mainstream
• He also highlighted advancements in healthcare, including new medical colleges and hospitals in Assam.

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About Bodoland Festival

• The Bodoland Mahotsav is a cultural festival celebrating the language, literature, and culture of the Bodo community. 
• Objective of the Festival: To strengthen peace and unity within the Bodo community building a vibrant Bodo society.
• Theme: “Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat.”
  • It marks the first festival of unity post the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, which ended 50 years of conflict.
• Cultural Contributions: GI-tagged products like Dokhona, Gamsa, and Karai-Dakhini showcased.  
  • It will also help in promoting weaving and sericulture through the Bodoland Sericulture Mission.
• Tourism Boost: Focus on Manas National Park and other natural attractions for creating employment.
• Sessions & Themes to be discussed at the Festival:
  • “The Rich Bodo Culture, Tradition, and Literature Contributing Towards Indian Heritage.”
  • “Challenges and Opportunities of Mother Tongue Medium-of-Instruction Under NEP 2020.”
  • Discussions on cultural tourism and building a “Vibrant Bodoland.”
• Attendees: Over 5,000 cultural and linguistic enthusiasts from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other nations.

About the Bodo Tribe

• Origin: The Bodos (or Boros) are an ethnolinguistic group from Assam.
• Geographical Spread: Primarily reside in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam.
  • Also found in Bangladesh, Nepal, and other North-East Indian states.
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status: Recognized as “Boro” and “Borokachari” under The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
• Language: Bodo language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family. It is included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, granting it official recognition.
• Governance in BTR: Administered by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Bodo Peace Accord (2020): A landmark agreement between the Central Government, the Assam State Government, and various Bodo groups.
  • It ended decades of violence and conflict.
  • It also established a framework for peace, development, and integration of the region.
• Achievements in Bodoland (Post-Accord):
  • Development of infrastructure for education, health, and culture.
  • Rehabilitation of over 4,000 former cadres of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland.Over ₹700 crore spent on development projects, with ₹1500 crore special packages from the Central Government.

Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution

• The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in certain tribal areas.
• Article 244A: outlines the establishment of autonomous districts and councils within the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• Article 244B: It defines the powers, functions, and composition of the ADC.
• Article 244C: It discusses the administrative, judicial, and financial powers of the ADC.
• It empowers tribal communities to govern themselves and protect their unique cultural identity.
• These ADCs are designed to safeguard the rights and cultural identity of tribal communities.

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Key Functions of ADCs

• Legislative Powers: ADCs have the authority to make laws on various matters such as land, forest, water resources, agriculture, and social customs.
• Executive Powers: They execute development schemes, welfare programs, and administer local governance.
• Judicial Powers: ADCs can establish local courts to resolve disputes based on customary laws and usages.
• Financial Powers: ADCs have financial autonomy, enabling them to collect taxes and manage their own finances.
• Cultural Preservation: They promote and preserve the cultural heritage of tribal communities.
• Development: ADCs play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of their respective regions.

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