Primarily, an autonomous administrative government meant for the Mara people living in the state.

[4] In 1954 the Central and Assam governments established a regional council, the Pawi Lakher Regional Council (PLRC), for the Lakhers (aka Mara) and the Pawis (aka Lai), in which a large number of Chakmas also resided.

However, the PLRC could not function properly right from its inception as there was no common communication language among the three tribal communities to understand each other.

[5] Mara Autonomous District Council looks after many departments in her area including fisheries, schools (up to Middle school) and education, judiciary, land and revenue, forestry, Public Health Engineering (PHE), etc.

N. Viakhu formed a coalition government with Maraland Democratic Front and Indian National Congress in the 2005 election.