Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cleared the air on September 7 regarding the definition of Khilonjiya, or original inhabitants, in the upcoming Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Amendment Bill. Eligibility hinges on a simple metric. Families living in the state for three generations now qualify for the status.
Sarma linked this provision to the spirit of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. Generally, families residing in the state before 1951 meet the criteria. The Chief Minister addressed worries from the Kalita community about protected zones near major cultural hubs. He insists the public misunderstood the legislation. Communities in these areas, including Brahmins, Koch-Rajbongshis, Misings, and Kalitas, will naturally satisfy the three-generation residency rule near historic sites in Barpeta, Batadrava, and Majuli.
The policy extends to minorities. Bengali-origin religious and linguistic groups settled in Assam before 1951 count as original inhabitants. This aligns with guidelines from the Mission Basundhara land policy. Tea garden workers get extra protection. The legislation provides specific safeguards for them even if they struggle to document their residency history. Sarma told reporters: "The legislation leaves little scope for confusion over who qualifies as an original inhabitant." The Assam Legislative Assembly has already debated these provisions at length.
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