THE CONSTITUTION (ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019 aims to amend certain provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution. The amendment seeks to increase the number of seats in District Councils, provide reservation for women members, rename existing autonomous district councils, and transfer additional subjects to Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Councils. The bill also provides for the creation of State Finance Commissions in states having Sixth Schedule areas, conducts elections to all autonomous councils by the State Election Commission, and prescribes disqualification of elected members on account of defection. Additionally, it enables the Finance Commission to recommend measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a state to supplement resources of the District Councils, Village Councils, and Municipal Councils. The amendment seeks to enhance autonomy in existing autonomous councils and increase representation of women members in District Councils.