Assam: Sixth schedule status, Rs 300 crore demand raised as Rabha Hasong Joint Forum signals poll strategy

With Assam heading into a high-stakes Assembly election season, the political temperature is rising sharply across key regions and the Rabha Hasong belt is emerging as a decisive battleground. The Rabha Hasong Joint Forum (RHJF) will play a “major and decisive” role in the upcoming polls across four Assembly constituencies in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) area, Chief Executive Member Tankeswar Rabha declared on Sunday, February 22.

Addressing the media in Boko, Rabha said the Forum’s exact strategy and nature of participation would be disclosed in due course but made it clear that the RHJF intends to actively shape the electoral outcome in constituencies spanning South Kamrup to Goalpara district. The statement assumes significance as political mobilization intensifies ahead of the Assembly elections, with regional bodies positioning themselves as key stakeholders.

Rabha highlighted ongoing development initiatives undertaken by the Council. He stated that projects worth Rs 70 crore are currently being implemented for public welfare across the RHAC region. However, he strongly advocated for the inclusion of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, arguing that a Rs 300 crore allocation from the Centre would unlock comprehensive development for all communities in the area.

According to Rabha, nearly seven lakh residents stand to benefit if the Council is brought under the Sixth Schedule framework, particularly through improved connectivity and infrastructure — sectors he described as long-neglected.

On Sunday, RHAC Chairman Sonaram Rabha and CEM Tankeswar Rabha inaugurated multiple development projects in the Hahim and Jongakhuli Council constituencies.

In Hahim, a permanent cultural stage at Chakabaha village was inaugurated, constructed at a cost of around ₹6 lakh from the 2024–25 budget. A permanent community hall at Mouman village and a women’s welfare building at Haldhipara were also opened, each built with an estimated expenditure of ₹10 lakh.

In Jongakhuli constituency, a major highlight was the inauguration of the permanent Langkona–Dakhilipara connecting culvert near Boko. Built at a cost of ₹25 lakh under the 2023–24 budget, the culvert significantly improves local connectivity — a long-pending demand of residents. Locals noted that despite 78 years since Independence, the absence of such infrastructure had caused persistent hardship.

The event was attended by several Executive Members of the RHAC, including Arjun Chettri, Ramakanta Rabha and Aditya Rabha, along with prominent citizens. Addressing the gathering, Executive Member Arjun Chettri said the new culvert would provide long-overdue relief to the people of the region.

Later, Tankeswar Rabha inaugurated a permanent Namghar building of the Lakshmi Mandir at Dakhilipara and interacted with villagers. Reiterating that connectivity forms the backbone of development, he assured residents that a permanent road linking the village would be constructed. He expressed concern that despite its proximity to Boko, the area had remained neglected by successive legislators.

The twin thrust on political mobilization and infrastructure development underscores the growing electoral and socio-economic significance of the Rabha Hasong region as Assam moves toward Assembly elections.