Source: TH
Context:
In Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), 21 traditional products — including textiles, musical instruments, beverages, cuisine, and medicinal plants have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags. This youth-led initiative, supported by the BTR government, has created enthusiasm among 26 indigenous communities to preserve and promote their cultural heritage through GI registration.
Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR)
The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam is a special administrative area created under the Bodo Peace Accord of January 2020, replacing the earlier Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD). It is administered by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and aims to ensure political, economic, and cultural rights of the Bodo community while maintaining territorial integrity of Assam.
Bodo Tribes of Assam
The Bodos are the largest plains tribe of Assam and an integral part of the Bodo-Kachari group, considered one of the oldest Indo-Mongoloid ethnolinguistic groups in Northeast India.
About BTR
- What it is:
- A territorial region in Assam governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
It represents a political settlement between the Government of India, Government of Assam, and Bodo groups.
- A territorial region in Assam governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Headquarters: Kokrajhar, Assam.
- Administered by: Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
- Constituent Districts (earlier BTAD): Kokrajhar, Baksa, Chirang, Udalguri.
Background
- The Bodo movement was among the most prolonged ethnic struggles in Northeast India, demanding autonomy and recognition of Bodo identity.
- Multiple accords were signed:
- 1993 Accord: Created Bodoland Autonomous Council.
- 2003 Accord: Established Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) under Sixth Schedule.
- 2020 Accord: Created Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) with greater autonomy, economic packages, and recognition of Bodo language.
