In a bid to implement the 1974 Protocol and Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh, the government has firmed up a draft constitution amendment bill, which is all set to come up for discussion at the meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday.
Confirming the news, sources said, the move will enable the exchange of 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in the Indian territory.
“The Constitution (…amendment) Bill for implementing the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement 1974 and Protocol to the land Boundary Agreement 1974 is high on the agenda of the Union Cabinet, which will be presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” they said, adding that if the legislation is cleared by the Union cabinet and approved by the Parliament, the move will ensure relief to thousands of people living in the border area.
The Protocol and the Agreement, signed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Bangladesh in September 2011, are subject to ratification by both the governments, according to the sources.
“The ratification, therefore, necessitates an amendment of the Constitution and these would enter into force on the date of exchange of Instruments of ratification and facilitate the exchange of the enclaves,” they said.
Once ratified, thousands of people would no more be deprived of their political rights and will begin enjoying government sponsored social facilities that are necessary for development of individuals in a free society, sources informed while quoting the draft cabinet note.
Indian enclaves in Bangladesh were spread over 17,149 acres of land, while the neighbour’s enclaves in the country were located in 7,110 acres.
Incidentally, the problem between the two countries had been continuing since Independence and has not been resolved even after the 1974 Indira-Mujib Agreement or during the transfer of Teen Bigha.
The government plans to bring the draft amendment bill in the upcoming winter session of Parliament, sources said.
Sources added that though the ruling UPA does not have the required two-third of majority support in either Houses of parliament, the government is still committed to bring the Bill to the House to reassure the Bangladesh government of its commitment to settle the unresolved boundary issue.