Assam's Push for ST Status to Six Communities: How It Sparks Political Debate and Tribal Concerns Ahead of Elections

Why in News

The Assam government has recommended granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities through a new three-tier framework, aiming to include them without diluting existing ST rights. However, this proposal has been rejected by a representative group of existing ST communities, who call it unconstitutional and a threat to their political representation. This comes amid heated discussions as Assam prepares for elections, highlighting tensions between inclusion demands and protection of tribal interests.

Key Points

1. The Assam government formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) to study ST status for six communities—Tai Ahom, Moran, Motok, Chutia, Koch Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes/Adivasis—who together make up about one-third of the state's population.
2. The GoM's interim report, tabled in November 2025, found justification for inclusion and proposed a three-tier ST classification: ST (Plains), ST (Hills), and a new ST (Valley) for the larger communities.
3. Under the proposal, ST (Valley) would have separate reservation quotas, with a share deducted from the 27% OBC quota, while existing ST (Plains) at 10% and ST (Hills) at 5% remain protected.
4. The Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA) rejected the proposal on January 7, 2026, after its consultative group argued that the six communities do not meet ST criteria and that inclusion would dilute political reservations for existing tribes.
5. The CCTOA claims the demand is politically motivated for reserved seats in panchayats, autonomous councils, and the state assembly, where OBCs have no reservations.
6. The report suggests a Constitutional amendment to permanently reserve Lok Sabha seats like Kokrajhar and Diphu for existing STs and create additional seats for the new category.
7. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's government insists the framework balances demands, but opposition from 14 tribal organizations under CCTOA has intensified the debate ahead of polls.

Explained

What is Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status and How is it Granted in India?

Scheduled Tribes are communities recognized under Article 342 of the Constitution as socially and economically disadvantaged, eligible for reservations in education, jobs, and political seats.

The process involves recommendations from state governments, review by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), and final approval by Parliament through a Constitutional amendment.

Criteria for ST status include primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with the larger community, and backwardness, as per the Lokur Committee (1965).

What are the Current ST Categories and Reservations in Assam?

Assam has two ST categories: ST (Plains) with 10% reservation and ST (Hills) with 5% for state jobs and education, covering tribes like Bodo (35% of ST population), Mishing (17.52%), and Karbi (11.1%).

The state has 12.4% ST population (2011 Census), with 2 Lok Sabha seats (Kokrajhar, Diphu) and 19 Assembly seats reserved for STs.

Existing STs fear dilution if six larger communities (estimated 1 crore people) are added, as they would compete in the same reservation pool for central benefits.

Who are the Six Communities Demanding ST Status in Assam?

Tai Ahom: Descendants of the Ahom kingdom rulers, known for historical significance, population around 20-25 lakh.

Moran, Motok, Chutia: Indigenous groups with distinct cultures, each around 5-10 lakh, long demanding recognition for protection of identity.

Koch Rajbongshi: Spread across Assam and West Bengal, population about 15-20 lakh, seeking ST to access benefits in education and jobs.

Tea Tribes/Adivasis: Migrant workers from central India, around 70 lakh, facing socio-economic backwardness despite OBC status.

What is the Group of Ministers (GoM) Recommendation on ST Status?

The GoM, formed by the Assam government, submitted an interim report in November 2025 justifying inclusion based on socio-economic data.

It proposes ST (Valley) for Ahom, Chutia, Tea Tribes, Koch Rajbongshi (excluding Goalpara), with separate quotas deducted from OBC reservations.

Smaller Moran, Motok, and Goalpara Koch Rajbongshi would join ST (Plains), with suggestions for more reserved seats in Parliament to accommodate the increase.

Why Have Existing ST Communities Opposed the Proposal?

The CCTOA, representing 14 tribal groups, argues the six communities are "advanced and populous" and do not meet constitutional ST criteria, citing historical reports like the 1965 Advisory Committee.

They fear loss of political power, as inclusion could reduce their share in reserved seats and central quotas, affecting representation in assemblies and councils.

The opposition views it as "political expediency" for votes, potentially leading to unrest in tribal areas like Bodoland.

What is the Historical Context of ST Demands in Assam?

Demands for ST status by these communities date back decades, intensified after the 1985 Assam Accord promised protection for indigenous groups.

Previous panels like the 1947 Excluded Areas Sub-Committee did not recommend them for ST, classifying them as OBC instead.

Political parties have used the issue in elections, with the BJP government forming the GoM in 2023 to address it amid protests.

What are the Political Implications Ahead of Assam Elections?

With elections approaching, the issue divides voters: the six communities (key vote banks) support it, while existing STs (12.4% population) oppose, potentially affecting BJP's tribal alliances.

It highlights Assam's ethnic politics, where reservations influence power dynamics in a multi-ethnic state.

If implemented, it could lead to legal challenges or protests, impacting governance and development in tribal regions.

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