CCTOA Consultative Group Opposes ST Status for Six Assam Communities

The Consultative Group of the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organizations of Assam (CCTOA) on Tuesday submitted recommendations to the Group of Ministers, rejecting the proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe status to six communities—Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea tribes.

The Group termed the proposal unconstitutional and legally untenable, arguing that the communities do not meet established ST criteria and are already classified as OBCs. It warned that granting ST status would dilute the rights of existing tribes and push reservations beyond the 50% cap. The Group urged the government to reject the proposal and said a delegation would raise the issue with national authorities after Magh Bihu.