Congress launches campaign to protect land and race in Assam

Congress targets CM Sarma's family over alleged land irregularities in Assam.

The Congress party in Assam has launched a 'save land, save race' campaign targeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family. The campaign alleges irregularities in acquiring large swathes of land. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi stated that the CM’s family owns nearly 12,000 bighas of land. The Congress party also targeted the closure of 8,000 government schools while the CM’s wife opened a luxurious private school.

Key Facts

The Congress party in Assam launched a 'save land, save race' campaign.

The campaign targets Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family.

The campaign alleges irregularities in acquiring large swathes of land.

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi stated that the CM’s family owns nearly 12,000 bighas of land.

The Congress party also targeted the closure of 8,000 government schools while the CM’s wife opened a luxurious private school.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Issues related to land rights and social justice

GS Paper V: Assam Specific - Land policies and socio-political dynamics

Potential for questions on constitutional provisions for special areas and social movements

Visual Insights

Assam: Focus of Congress Campaign on Land Rights

Map highlighting Assam, where the Congress party has launched a campaign focusing on land rights and allegations against the Chief Minister's family.

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📍Assam

More Information

Background

The issue of land rights and ethnic identity is deeply rooted in Assam's history. The region has witnessed significant demographic shifts over the decades, leading to concerns about the preservation of indigenous cultures and land ownership. These concerns have often manifested in social and political movements. Land policies in Assam have evolved through various phases, from colonial regulations to post-independence reforms. The Assam Land and Revenue Regulation of 1886, for instance, played a crucial role in shaping land ownership patterns. Over time, different governments have attempted to address land-related grievances and protect the interests of various communities. Constitutional provisions like Article 371F, specific to Sikkim but illustrative of special provisions for states with unique circumstances, highlight the recognition of regional specificities within the Indian Union. While Assam doesn't have a similar article, the Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous councils in tribal areas, granting them certain powers over land management and customary laws. These councils aim to safeguard the interests of tribal communities. Issues of land rights and ethnic identity are not unique to Assam. Many regions in India, particularly in the Northeast, face similar challenges. The need to balance development with the protection of indigenous rights and cultural heritage remains a complex and ongoing process.

Latest Developments

Political campaigns focusing on land and identity are not new in Assam. Various political parties have used these issues to mobilize support and gain electoral advantage. The current campaign by the Congress party is part of this ongoing political discourse. The closure of government schools and the rise of private educational institutions is a trend seen across India. This raises questions about access to quality education for all sections of society. The Right to Education Act (RTE Act) aims to ensure free and compulsory education for children, but challenges remain in its implementation. Looking ahead, the issue of land rights and ethnic identity is likely to remain a central theme in Assam's politics. The government's policies and actions in these areas will continue to be closely scrutinized. The role of civil society organizations and community groups will also be crucial in shaping the debate and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Several factors, including demographic changes, economic development, and political mobilization, will influence the future trajectory of these issues. The need for inclusive and sustainable solutions that address the concerns of all stakeholders is paramount.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key allegations made by the Congress party against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family in Assam?

The Congress party alleges irregularities in the acquisition of large swathes of land by the CM's family. Specifically, it is claimed that the family owns approximately 12,000 bighas of land. The party also criticizes the closure of 8,000 government schools while the CM's wife opened a luxurious private school.

2. What is the 'save land, save race' campaign about, and which political party launched it in Assam?

The 'save land, save race' campaign was launched by the Congress party in Assam. It targets Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family, alleging irregularities in land acquisition. The campaign connects land rights with the preservation of indigenous communities.

3. How might the closure of government schools and the opening of private schools be viewed from a social justice perspective?

The closure of government schools, while private schools are established, raises concerns about equitable access to education. It can be seen as potentially disadvantaging students from lower-income backgrounds who rely on public education, exacerbating social inequalities.

4. Why is the issue of land rights so politically sensitive in Assam?

Land rights are sensitive in Assam due to the region's history of demographic shifts and concerns about preserving indigenous cultures and land ownership. These concerns have fueled social and political movements, making land a key issue in political discourse.

5. What is the significance of the number '12,000 bighas' in the context of this news?

As per the topic, 12,000 bighas is the approximate amount of land that Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi stated is owned by the Chief Minister's family. It is a key figure in the allegations of land irregularities.

6. How does this 'save land, save race' campaign relate to broader political trends in Assam?

Political campaigns focusing on land and identity are common in Assam. Various parties have used these issues to mobilize support and gain electoral advantage. The current campaign by the Congress is part of this ongoing political strategy.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the context of the 'save land, save race' campaign launched by the Congress party in Assam? 1. The campaign primarily targets alleged irregularities in land acquisition by the Chief Minister's family. 2. The campaign focuses solely on the closure of government schools without addressing land-related issues. 3. The campaign aims to promote private educational institutions in Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The 'save land, save race' campaign directly targets alleged irregularities in land acquisition by the Chief Minister's family, as stated in the news summary. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The campaign addresses both land-related issues and the closure of government schools. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The campaign criticizes the opening of a luxurious private school by the CM's wife, not promotes private institutions.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation of 1886: 1. It primarily aimed to regulate land ownership and revenue collection in Assam during the colonial period. 2. It had no impact on the land rights of indigenous communities. 3. It was repealed immediately after India's independence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Assam Land and Revenue Regulation of 1886 was indeed a key piece of legislation during the colonial period aimed at regulating land ownership and revenue collection. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The regulation significantly impacted the land rights of indigenous communities, often leading to dispossession and marginalization. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The regulation was not repealed immediately after independence and continued to influence land policies in Assam for many years.

3. Which of the following best describes the purpose of Article 371F of the Indian Constitution?

A.To provide special provisions for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
B.To provide special provisions for the state of Sikkim.
C.To provide special provisions for the state of Assam.
D.To provide special provisions for the state of Nagaland.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Article 371F provides special provisions for the state of Sikkim. It was inserted into the Constitution as part of the agreement that led to Sikkim becoming a state of India in 1975. The article addresses various aspects of Sikkim's governance and protects its unique identity.