CCTOA Flags Concerns Over Proposed ST Status, Seeks Further Dialogue

The Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations, Assam (CCTOA), raised objections to parts of the GoM report on granting ST status to six communities during a meeting with Tribal Affairs Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu on Thursday.

The organisation submitted interim objections, warning that the proposal could affect rights of existing ST groups. Key demands included excluding Central benefits from the proposed ST(V) category and keeping undivided Goalpara out of the Koch-Rajbongshi inclusion.

The government assured no existing tribal rights would be affected. CCTOA will form an expert panel and submit a report within a month. Protests have been suspended during the talks, and the group has sought higher-level discussions with the Chief Minister and Union Home Minister.