Governor takes over administration of sixth schedule council of BTC

GUWAHATI: With Election in Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) deferred due to COVID-19, Governor has taken over the administration of sixth schedule council.
Election to the council which was slated for April 4 last was deferred following the COVID-19 pandemic. The term of the present council ended on Monday

In a statement Raj Bhavan stated that State Election Commission, Assam expressed its inability to conduct polls to the general council of Bodoland Territorial Council as per schedule due to the prevalent lock down, need to adherence to social distancing and other restrictions in view of COVID-19.

In view of the expiry of the term of the Bodoland Territorial General Council today, Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi has resolved to assume the administration of Bodoland Territorial Council with immediate effect in public interest in exercise of powers vested in him under sub paragraph 2 of Para 16 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. This is as per notification No. TAD/BTC/250/2020/30 dated Dispur the 27th April 2020 issued by the Department of Welfare of Plains Tribes and Backward classes Govt. of Assam

As per notification No. TAD/BTC/250/2020/31 dated Dispur the 27th April 2020 issued by the Department of Welfare of Plains Tribes and Backward classes Government of Assam Rajesh Prasad, IAS Principal Secretary, Government of Assam has been appointed as the Administrator of BTC to superintend, direct and control the overall Administration of Bodoland Territorial Council.

Ruling Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) has sought continuation of the present dispensation or holding of election.

BPF is a partner in the ruling BJP Led government in Assam. Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said that cabinet meeting held on Monday has asked the state election commission to look for innovative ways to hold election.