ST Status for Six Assam Communities Still Awaiting Final Approval

The Assam Government has submitted the Group of Ministers’ report on granting Scheduled Tribe status to six communities, but implementation may take time. As the report was tabled on the last day of the Assembly session, committees may choose to review it.

If no further discussion is required, the State can send the report to the Centre. A Bill on this matter has been pending in Parliament since 2019.

The GoM proposes categorising tribes to safeguard existing ST interests, a mechanism already used in some southern states. Once approved, Motok, Moran, Chutia, Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, and Tea Tribes could receive ST status. However, the Centre’s acceptance of the report is still awaited.