Assam: RHAC chairman pushes for Sixth Schedule status, flags funding constraints

Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) Chairman, Sonaram Rabha on January 8, said that Goalpara district, which serves as a gateway for illegal migrants and partially falls under the RHAC jurisdiction, could effectively curb infiltration if the Council was brought under the Sixth Schedule framework.

Sonaram Rabha made the statement during an awareness programme on the safe use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), along with a large-scale welfare distribution initiative, held at the Roumari Youth Club playground in Boko under the auspices of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC).

Addressing the gathering, Rabha expressed concern over the limited financial allocation to the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, stating that the Council currently receives only Rs 60 crore annually from the Assam Government as it is not included under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He asserted that inclusion under the Sixth Schedule would enable the Council to secure financial assistance of Rs 400–500 crore from the Centre, thereby significantly accelerating developmental activities.

During the awareness session, Director of Nandini Gas Agency, Bhaban Das, demonstrated practical methods to extinguish fires caused by LPG leaks and elaborated on essential safety precautions to be followed while using cooking gas. Fire and Emergency Services officer Devendra Nath Kalita also briefed the gathering on basic fire-fighting techniques and urged residents to provide precise location details when contacting emergency services, noting that delays often occur due to incomplete or inaccurate addresses.

In addition to the safety awareness programme, Chairman Sonaram Rabha distributed various essential items to around 900 beneficiaries from the constituency. According to official details, 480 families received blankets and quilts to combat the winter cold, while 340 weavers were provided with yarn. Twenty-two families received hand pumps, seven sports teams were supplied with 23 volleyballs, and five organisations were given 110 chairs. High-powered rechargeable torch lights were also distributed to assist villagers in guarding against wild elephant incursions. Two Namoti groups were additionally provided with traditional drums.

Rabha further remarked that Goalpara district, which serves as a gateway for illegal migrants and partially falls under the RHAC jurisdiction, could effectively curb infiltration if the Council were brought under the Sixth Schedule framework.

The programme also included the felicitation of meritorious students from the constituency. Dipjyoti Rabha, Arundhati Rabha, and Ankur Rabha, who secured more than 80 per cent marks in the HSLC examination, were awarded one-time scholarships of ₹10,000 each.

Several dignitaries attended the event, including Hahim Constituency Inspection Committee President Kalpanath Rabha, RHAC Chief Secretary Buddhaswer Rabha, Hahim Regional Rabha Students’ Union President Bishaya Rava, Madhya Luki Regional Rabha Students’ Union President Navadeep Rabha, and Sixth Schedule Demand Committee President Hansadhar Rabha, among others.

On the occasion, Chairman Rabha also highlighted various skill development initiatives undertaken by the Council to provide training to unemployed youth in fields such as beautician services, smart driving, plumbing, electrical work, weaving, and animal husbandry. However, he expressed disappointment that no youth from the Hahim constituency had come forward to avail themselves of these training opportunities.