Assam Govt Tables Interim GoM Report on Granting ST Status to Six Communities
Guwahati: The Assam government on Saturday tabled the interim report of the Group of Ministers (GoM) in the state assembly, marking a major step forward in the long-pending demand to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six influential communities. The report was presented on the final day of the winter session, reaffirming that the proposal has already received key approvals at the national level.
The six communities—the Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes (Adivasis)—have been seeking ST recognition for over a decade. The issue has remained one of Assam’s most politically sensitive topics and has featured prominently in multiple election cycles.
Background
The three-member GoM, headed by Tribal Affairs (Plains) Minister Ranoj Pegu, with ministers Pijush Hazarika and Keshab Mahanta as members, confirmed that the inclusion of these communities has already been recommended by both the Registrar General of India (RGI) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). The Union Cabinet has also granted its approval.
However, the final inclusion still requires statutory clearance by Parliament, making the next steps crucial.
Industry Buzz
The GoM highlighted that the granting of ST status must balance the concerns of both the demanding communities and the existing tribal groups of Assam. To address this, the interim report proposes several measures:
• Sub-categorisation of the current OBC reservation into seven groups
• Protection of land rights, ensuring the six communities receive the same privileges as other STs
• Bringing the six communities under the Department of Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture
• Launching a comprehensive socio-economic survey to support sub-categorisation within the 27% OBC quota, especially benefiting tea garden and adivasi groups
These recommendations aim to bridge socio-economic gaps while maintaining harmony among existing ST communities.
What’s Next
With the groundwork laid and national-level approvals achieved, the final responsibility lies with Parliament. If cleared, the decision has the potential to reshape Assam’s socio-political landscape, fulfilling one of the BJP’s key promises in the state.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The tabling of the GoM’s interim report marks a defining moment in one of Assam’s most enduring socio-political debates. While the proposal has cleared crucial national-level hurdles, its success ultimately hinges on parliamentary approval. The recommendations aim not only to grant long-awaited recognition but also to safeguard the rights of existing tribal groups — a balance essential for social harmony. If implemented thoughtfully, this move could bring structural upliftment to lakhs across the six communities. As Assam awaits the Centre’s final decision, the outcome may reshape political alignments and community aspirations for years ahead.