Assam Legislator Presses Government on Stalled ST Status for Six Communities

Guwahati: BPF MLA Rupam Chandra Roy challenged the Assam government on Wednesday, July 29, regarding the long-standing delay in granting Scheduled Tribe status to six indigenous groups. The first-time legislator raised the matter during Zero Hour in the Assam Assembly, insisting that promises made over the years remain unfulfilled.

Roy pushed for a quick resolution while protecting current tribal rights. "We want the granting of ST status to all six communities as soon as possible. I urge the government to take the necessary steps without affecting the existing ST communities," Roy said.

Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu shifted the burden to New Delhi. He noted that the Central government holds final authority. Pegu explained that the process requires a favorable report from the Registrar General of India and subsequent parliamentary legislation. The state has already submitted its findings to the Centre.

The Moran, Motok, Chutia, Tai Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes continue to wait. Political friction is heating up. On July 14, Opposition Congress and Raijor Dal members walked out of the Assembly to protest the lack of progress.

The state previously formed a Group of Ministers to handle the logistics. They recommended a three-tier reservation system. This plan suggests a new ST Valley category for the Tai Ahom, Chutia, Tea Tribes, and Koch-Rajbongshi. Meanwhile, the Moran, Motok, and Goalpara Koch-Rajbongshi would join the ST Plains category. For now, the government offers interim relief by reserving medical college seats for these six communities.