The Constitution of India
Article 371B
Special provision with respect to the State of Assam
Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the President may, by order made with respect to the State of Assam, provide for the constitution and functions of a committee of the Legislative Assembly of the State consisting of members of that Assembly elected from the tribal areas specified in 2 [Part I] of the table appended to paragraph 20 of the Sixth Schedule and such number of other members of that Assembly as may be specified in the order and for the modifications to be made in the rules of procedure of that Assembly for the constitution and proper functioning of such committee.
Why this exists
Assam has tribal areas with distinct customs, languages, and administrative needs, historically protected under the Sixth Schedule. After Assam's reorganization (including the creation of Meghalaya and other states/territories from tribal areas), Article 371B was added by the 22nd Amendment (1969) to ensure that tribal representatives elected to the Assam Assembly would have a formal, protected voice in matters concerning their areas, even as broader autonomy arrangements evolved.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Article 371B gives tribal areas in Assam their own separate government.
Fact: It only allows a special committee within the existing Assam Legislative Assembly, not a separate autonomous government.