Sixth Schedule is not State within State – Manik Sarkar

Siliguri: “Ratanlal Bramhin Memorial Speech” programme was organised by CPI-M at Dina-Bandhu Manch, Siliguri. Acknowledging the Invitation from CPI-M, Mr. Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister of Tripura, was here to keynote address on the Regional Autonomy, Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution, Experience of Northeast and Tripura. “Demand for the Sixth Schedule Status from the Darjeeling hills is both relevant and justified, but it will not solve all the problems faced by backward people”, said, Chief Minister of Tripura.

CPI-M will support the proposed Sixth Schedule Bill for Darjeeling Hills at Parliament, but it depends on the support of Congress Party led Central Government, and we can not trust Congress Party, added Mr. Manik Sarkar.

Sixth Schedule is nothing but a special arrangement meant for the betterment of backward Tribal Communities. But, one should not be under the impression that Right to Education, Food security, Health security etc. will be fulfilled by the achievement of the Status alone, for that a parallel movement is required, said Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister of Tripura.

The special arrangement was first conceptualized during British Rule in1915 and later included under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, only nine identified areas in undivided Assam were granted this Status. Tripura was merged with India in 1949 and given Statehood in 1958. The tribal dominated, tiny State faced a tremendous influx of Bengalis from Bangladesh after the liberation of that country and the need for a similar special status was felt for the peaceful co-existence tribal and non-tribal people. But that was not achieved by just flicking a finger. After a lot of opposition from separatist groups like Amra Bangali, Ananda Marga and also Congress-influenced, tribal-dominated organization like Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti, the State finally achieved this Status during early 80s

The proposed Sixth Schedule for Darjeeling Hills by CPI-M should be supported by all the communities like Bengali, Nepali, Uriya etc, Communities is not the important issue, development of place is important, he further added. Beside, Chief Minister also addressed about the late Ratanlal Bramhin, his contribution towards organizing CPI-M party in Tripura and his social activities.

The programme was attended by top CPI-M leaders including Mr. Ashok Bhattacharya, urban development minister, Mr. S. P. Lepcha, Party Secretary, etc.