Abstract:
The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam represents a unique experiment in democratic governance within India’s federal structure under sixth schedule. It was established through successive peace accords, the BTR seeks to provide autonomy, cultural recognition, and socio-economic development to the Bodo people and other communities. This paper explores the dynamics of governance in the BTR with a special focus on decentralization and citizen participation. It examines how democratic decentralization, rooted in the Indian Constitution, is practiced at both regional and grassroots levels, highlighting the role of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and community organizations in promoting participatory governance. The research aims to evaluate the functioning of democratic governance in the BTR and analyze how decentralization strengthens people’s participation. It further examines the role of local institutions in ensuring accountability and transparency. The study also identifies challenges and opportunities in inclusive governance, contributing to the wider understanding of democratic decentralization in India’s plural society. Methodologically, the study follows a qualitative approach, using both primary and secondary sources.
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