Signing and Provisions of the Assam Accord (1985)
Assam Accord 1985: Signing, Key Clauses and Major Provisions – MCQs
Introduction
The Assam Accord of 1985 was a Memorandum of Settlement signed on 15 August 1985 in New Delhi between the Government of India, Government of Assam, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP). It marked the formal conclusion of the six-year Assam Movement that had begun in 1979.
The Accord addressed major issues associated with foreigners, electoral rolls, citizenship, border security, constitutional and administrative safeguards, economic development, protection of government land and tribal belts, and measures for people affected by the agitation.
For examination purposes, particular attention should be given to 15 August 1985, Clause 5, Clause 6, Clause 7, Clause 9, Clause 13, Clause 14 and Clause 15, as well as the subsequent insertion of Section 6A into the Citizenship Act, 1955 to provide special citizenship provisions for Assam.
MCQs with Answers and Concept-Clearing Explanations
1. On which date was the Assam Accord signed?
A. 15 August 1979
B. 15 August 1983
C. 15 August 1985
D. 26 January 1986
Correct Answer: C. 15 August 1985
Explanation:
The Assam Accord was signed on 15 August 1985 in New Delhi. The signatories included representatives of the Government of India, Government of Assam, AASU and AAGSP. The date is especially important because the Accord provided the formal political settlement associated with the conclusion of the Assam Movement.
2. The Assam Accord was primarily a:
A. Constitutional amendment
B. Memorandum of Settlement
C. Parliamentary resolution
D. State legislation
Correct Answer: B. Memorandum of Settlement
Explanation:
The official document describes the Assam Accord as a Memorandum of Settlement. It represented an agreement between the Union Government, Assam Government, AASU and AAGSP concerning issues raised during the Assam Movement. It was not itself a constitutional amendment or an Act of Parliament. Subsequent legislative measures, including the insertion of Section 6A into the Citizenship Act, were associated with giving legal effect to relevant provisions.
3. Where was the Assam Accord signed?
A. Guwahati
B. Shillong
C. New Delhi
D. Kolkata
Correct Answer: C. New Delhi
Explanation:
The Assam Accord was signed in New Delhi on 15 August 1985. The official document records the presence of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the signatures of representatives of the Union Government, Government of Assam, AASU and AAGSP.
4. Which Prime Minister was present at the signing of the Assam Accord?
A. Indira Gandhi
B. Morarji Desai
C. Rajiv Gandhi
D. V. P. Singh
Correct Answer: C. Rajiv Gandhi
Explanation:
Rajiv Gandhi, who was Prime Minister of India in 1985, was present at the signing of the Assam Accord. The official Accord document records his signature as being made in the presence of the representatives of the parties to the settlement.
5. Which two organisations represented the Assam Movement in the signing of the Accord?
A. AGP and Congress
B. AASU and AAGSP
C. ULFA and AGP
D. Assam Congress and AASU
Correct Answer: B. AASU and AAGSP
Explanation:
The two principal organisations representing the movement in the settlement were the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP). The Accord brought these organisations together with the Union and State Governments in a negotiated settlement.
6. Who signed the Assam Accord as President of AASU?
A. Bhrigu Kumar Phukan
B. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta
C. Biraj Kumar Sharma
D. Rajiv Gandhi
Correct Answer: B. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta
Explanation:
The official Accord document records P. K. Mahanta, President of AASU, as a signatory. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta had emerged as a prominent student leader during the Assam Movement and subsequently became a major figure in Assam’s post-movement political development.
7. Who signed the Accord as General Secretary of AASU?
A. Bhrigu Kumar Phukan
B. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta
C. Biraj Sharma
D. R. D. Pradhan
Correct Answer: A. Bhrigu Kumar Phukan
Explanation:
The official document identifies B. K. Phukan, or Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, as the General Secretary of AASU and one of the signatories. His role is significant in understanding the organisational leadership of the Assam Movement and the transition from student mobilisation to negotiated political settlement.
8. Who signed the Assam Accord as Convenor of AAGSP?
A. Biraj Sharma
B. Hiteswar Saikia
C. Bhrigu Kumar Phukan
D. R. D. Pradhan
Correct Answer: A. Biraj Sharma
Explanation:
The official Accord records Biraj Sharma as the Convenor of the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP). AAGSP functioned as a broader coordinating platform associated with the Assam Movement.
9. Which of the following dates was the principal cut-off date under Clause 5 of the Assam Accord?
A. 15 August 1947
B. 1 January 1966
C. 25 March 1971
D. 15 August 1985
Correct Answer: C. 25 March 1971
Explanation:
25 March 1971 was the critical cut-off date under Clause 5 for identifying persons who entered Assam from the specified territory after that date. The Accord distinguished different categories based on dates of entry. Persons who entered on or after 25 March 1971 were to be detected and expelled in accordance with the provisions described in the Accord.
10. Which date served as the base date in the Assam Accord’s framework for dealing with persons who entered Assam before and after the relevant period?
A. 1 January 1950
B. 15 August 1947
C. 1 January 1966
D. 26 January 1972
Correct Answer: C. 1 January 1966
Explanation:
The Accord established 1 January 1966 as an important base date. Persons who had entered Assam before this date were treated differently from those who entered between 1 January 1966 and 25 March 1971. The framework was subsequently reflected in the special citizenship provisions contained in Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
11. What was the treatment under the Accord for persons of Indian origin who entered Assam before 1 January 1966 and met the relevant conditions?
A. They were immediately expelled
B. They were treated as citizens subject to the applicable provisions
C. They were permanently excluded from electoral rolls
D. They were required to leave Assam for ten years
Correct Answer: B. They were treated as citizens subject to the applicable provisions
Explanation:
The Assam Accord distinguished persons who entered before 1 January 1966 from later categories. The Citizenship Act’s Section 6A subsequently provided that persons of Indian origin who came before that date from the specified territory and fulfilled the statutory conditions were deemed to be citizens of India from the relevant date.
12. Under the Accord’s framework, what was the general treatment of persons who entered Assam between 1 January 1966 and 25 March 1971?
A. They were immediately expelled without further procedure
B. They were treated under a separate detection, deletion and registration framework
C. They automatically received voting rights
D. They were automatically treated as pre-1966 residents
Correct Answer: B. They were treated under a separate detection, deletion and registration framework
Explanation:
The period from 1 January 1966 to 24 March 1971 formed a distinct category. Under the subsequent statutory framework in Section 6A, a person of Indian origin who entered Assam during this period, was ordinarily resident there and was detected as a foreigner had to register, and if their name appeared on an electoral roll, it was to be deleted. Citizenship was linked to the statutory process and a ten-year period.
13. What was the treatment specified for persons who entered Assam on or after 25 March 1971?
A. Automatic citizenship
B. Temporary voting rights
C. Detection and expulsion according to the Accord
D. Ten-year registration followed by citizenship
Correct Answer: C. Detection and expulsion according to the Accord
Explanation:
Clause 5 dealt with persons entering Assam after the critical date. The Accord provided that those who entered on or after 25 March 1971 were to be detected and expelled according to law and the agreed framework. This distinction between pre-1966, 1966–1971 and post-25 March 1971 categories is a major examination topic.
14. Which provision of the Citizenship Act was introduced specifically for persons covered by the Assam Accord?
A. Section 3
B. Section 5
C. Section 6A
D. Section 14A
Correct Answer: C. Section 6A
Explanation:
Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 contains special provisions concerning citizenship of persons covered by the Assam Accord. It was inserted by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985, with effect from 7 December 1985. This provision is therefore closely connected with the legal implementation of the Accord.
15. Which clause of the Assam Accord dealt specifically with constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards for the Assamese people?
A. Clause 5
B. Clause 6
C. Clause 9
D. Clause 13
Correct Answer: B. Clause 6
Explanation:
Clause 6 provided for constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards as appropriate to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. It is therefore particularly important for questions concerning identity, language, culture, heritage and constitutional safeguards.
16. Which clause of the Assam Accord concerned economic development of Assam?
A. Clause 5
B. Clause 6
C. Clause 7
D. Clause 12
Correct Answer: C. Clause 7
Explanation:
Clause 7 renewed the government’s commitment to the speedy and comprehensive economic development of Assam, with the objective of improving living standards. It also placed emphasis on education and science and technology, including the establishment of national institutions.
17. Which clause of the Assam Accord dealt with strengthening the international border against future infiltration?
A. Clause 6
B. Clause 8
C. Clause 9
D. Clause 14
Correct Answer: C. Clause 9
Explanation:
Clause 9 dealt with securing the international border. The provisions referred to physical barriers such as walls and barbed-wire fencing, intensified patrolling along land and riverine routes, additional check posts and a road along the international border to facilitate patrolling.
18. What was the subject of Clause 12 of the Assam Accord?
A. Cultural safeguards
B. Economic development
C. Registration of births and deaths
D. Constitutional amendment
Correct Answer: C. Registration of births and deaths
Explanation:
Clause 12 stated that Birth and Death Registers should be duly maintained. Proper civil registration was considered important for maintaining reliable official records. The Government of Assam’s implementation portal records subsequent administrative measures relating to birth and death registration.
19. Which clause formally provided for AASU and AAGSP to call off the Assam Movement?
A. Clause 5
B. Clause 7
C. Clause 13
D. Clause 15
Correct Answer: C. Clause 13
Explanation:
Clause 13 states that AASU and AAGSP would call off the agitation, extend full cooperation and dedicate themselves to the development of the country. Thus, Clause 13 is directly associated with the formal conclusion of the agitation following the settlement.
20. Which ministry was designated as the nodal ministry for implementation of the Assam Accord?
A. Ministry of Education
B. Ministry of Home Affairs
C. Ministry of Culture
D. Ministry of External Affairs
Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Home Affairs
Explanation:
Clause 15 designated the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as the nodal ministry for implementation of the provisions of the Accord. The Government of Assam’s Implementation of Assam Accord Department also confirms this arrangement.
21. Which clause addressed complaints regarding irregular issuance of Indian Citizenship Certificates?
A. Clause 7
B. Clause 8
C. Clause 10
D. Clause 12
Correct Answer: B. Clause 8
Explanation:
Clause 8 concerned citizenship certificates. It provided that future citizenship certificates would be issued by Central Government authorities and that specific complaints made by AASU/AAGSP concerning irregular issuance of Indian Citizenship Certificates would be examined.
22. Which of the following was specifically addressed by Clause 10?
A. Protection of government land and tribal belts and blocks
B. Establishment of national universities
C. Maintenance of birth registers
D. Election of members to Parliament
Correct Answer: A. Protection of government land and tribal belts and blocks
Explanation:
Clause 10 required strict enforcement of relevant laws to prevent encroachment on Government lands and lands in tribal belts and blocks, with unauthorized encroachers to be dealt with according to law. This provision connects the Accord with land administration and protection of designated areas.
23. Which clause dealt with restrictions on acquisition of immovable property by foreigners in Assam?
A. Clause 8
B. Clause 9
C. Clause 11
D. Clause 14
Correct Answer: C. Clause 11
Explanation:
Clause 11 provided that the relevant law restricting acquisition of immovable property by foreigners in Assam would be strictly enforced. It is therefore important in questions linking the Assam Accord with land ownership and administrative regulation.
24. Which of the following was included among the measures for people affected by the Assam agitation?
A. Review of disciplinary action and detention cases
B. Automatic appointment to government posts for all residents
C. Abolition of all land laws
D. Creation of a new state
Correct Answer: A. Review of disciplinary action and detention cases
Explanation:
Clause 14 included several measures concerning people affected by the agitation. These included sympathetic review and withdrawal of certain disciplinary actions, measures to avoid victimisation, an ex-gratia scheme for the next of kin of those killed during the agitation, and review of detention and criminal cases, except cases involving heinous offences.
25. Which of the following best describes the cultural significance of Clause 6?
A. It focused exclusively on archaeological excavation
B. It recognised the need for safeguards relating to Assamese cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage
C. It abolished cultural institutions in Assam
D. It transferred all cultural affairs to the Election Commission
Correct Answer: B. It recognised the need for safeguards relating to Assamese cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage
Explanation:
Clause 6 is broader than archaeology alone. It refers to cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage, and calls for constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards. This has relevance to Assam’s language, cultural institutions, historical heritage and traditional cultural practices. The Government of Assam’s implementation material also connects Accord-related implementation with cultural affairs and preservation and promotion of Assamese heritage.
Important Chronology for Quick Revision
| Year/Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Assam Movement begins |
| 2 February 1980 | AASU submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi concerning the issues raised by the movement |
| 1980–1983 | Talks were held at Prime Ministerial and Home Ministerial levels |
| 1985 | Political negotiations moved toward a settlement |
| 15 August 1985 | Assam Accord signed in New Delhi |
| 7 December 1985 | Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 came into force |
| 1986 | Implementation of Assam Accord Department established by Government of Assam |
| Later | Further administrative, legal and institutional measures were undertaken for implementation |
The Supreme Court’s record of proceedings also identifies the 1980–83 negotiations and the 15 August 1985 settlement, while the Government of Assam records the creation of the Implementation of Assam Accord Department in 1986.
Important Personalities Associated with the Signing
Rajiv Gandhi
Prime Minister of India in 1985 and present at the signing of the Assam Accord.
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta
President of AASU at the time of signing and an important student leader during the Assam Movement.
Bhrigu Kumar Phukan
General Secretary of AASU and signatory to the Accord.
Biraj Sharma
Convenor of AAGSP and signatory to the settlement.
R. D. Pradhan
Home Secretary, Government of India, and signatory.
P. Trivedi
Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, and signatory.
The names and designations above are recorded in the official Assam Accord document.
Key Provisions of the Assam Accord at a Glance
| Clause | Major Subject |
|---|---|
| Clause 5 | Detection, deletion from electoral rolls and treatment of persons entering Assam during different periods |
| Clause 6 | Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards for Assamese identity and heritage |
| Clause 7 | Economic development, education, science and technology |
| Clause 8 | Citizenship certificates |
| Clause 9 | International border security |
| Clause 10 | Protection of government lands and tribal belts/blocks |
| Clause 11 | Restrictions on acquisition of immovable property by foreigners |
| Clause 12 | Birth and Death Registers |
| Clause 13 | Calling off the Assam agitation by AASU and AAGSP |
| Clause 14 | Measures for persons affected by the agitation |
| Clause 15 | Ministry of Home Affairs as nodal ministry |
Assam Accord and Cultural Heritage
The Assam Accord was not an archaeological settlement, but cultural and heritage protection is directly relevant through Clause 6. The clause refers to protection, preservation and promotion of the cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. Consequently, questions concerning Assam’s language, cultural institutions, historical monuments, traditional institutions and heritage can be connected to the broader historical significance of the Accord.
Government of Assam implementation material has subsequently referred to cultural and heritage initiatives, including support for institutions and traditional cultural heritage. These developments should be distinguished from the original wording of the Accord itself.
Targeting Exams
Assam State-Level Exams
- APSC Combined Competitive Examination
- Assam Police Recruitment Examinations
- Assam Direct Recruitment Examinations
- Assam TET
- Assam Grade III & Grade IV
- Assam Forest Department Examinations
National-Level Exams
- UPSC Civil Services Examination
- SSC Examinations
- UPSC CAPF
- Railway Recruitment Examinations
Teaching Exams
- CTET
- Assam TET
- State-level teacher recruitment examinations
- Other education-related competitive examinations
Other Competitive Exams
- UGC NET/SET History and Political Science
- Banking examinations with General Awareness sections
- Defence examinations
- State-level General Knowledge examinations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was the Assam Accord signed?
The Assam Accord was signed on 15 August 1985 in New Delhi.
2. Who were the principal parties to the Assam Accord?
The principal parties were the Government of India, Government of Assam, AASU and AAGSP.
3. Who was the Prime Minister when the Assam Accord was signed?
Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India at the time of signing.
4. What is the importance of 25 March 1971?
It is the principal cut-off date in the Accord’s framework for identifying persons who entered Assam on or after that date for detection and expulsion according to the agreed legal framework.
5. What is the importance of 1 January 1966?
It was the base date distinguishing the pre-1966 category from the category of persons who entered Assam between 1 January 1966 and 25 March 1971.
6. Which clause deals with protection of Assamese cultural and linguistic identity?
Clause 6 deals with constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards for the cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.
7. Which clause deals with border security?
Clause 9 deals with securing the international border through measures including fencing, barriers, intensified patrolling and check posts.
8. Which clause brought the Assam Movement to a formal end?
Clause 13 provided for AASU and AAGSP to call off the agitation and extend cooperation.
9. Which ministry is the nodal ministry for implementation of the Assam Accord?
The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal ministry under Clause 15.
10. What is Section 6A of the Citizenship Act?
Section 6A contains special provisions concerning citizenship of persons covered by the Assam Accord and was inserted into the Citizenship Act, 1955 by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985.
Conclusion
The Assam Accord of 1985 represents a major milestone in the political history of post-Independence Assam. Its provisions addressed the central issues raised during the Assam Movement through a framework involving foreigners-related provisions, electoral rolls, citizenship, border security, cultural and linguistic safeguards, economic development, land protection and measures for agitation-affected people.
For competitive examinations, the most important facts to remember are:
15 August 1985 → date of signing
New Delhi → place of signing
Rajiv Gandhi → Prime Minister
AASU + AAGSP → movement organisations signing the Accord
1 January 1966 → important base date
25 March 1971 → critical cut-off date
Clause 6 → cultural, social and linguistic safeguards
Clause 7 → economic development
Clause 9 → international border security
Clause 13 → calling off the agitation
Clause 15 → Ministry of Home Affairs as nodal ministry
Section 6A → special citizenship provisions connected with the Assam Accord