st-report-satisfies-all-sections-of-society-assam-cm

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday asserted that the Group of Ministers’ (GoM) report on granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in the state has satisfied all sections of people. The six communities include Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes. If approved, they will be eligible for education and job reservations.

 

“The report is out now, and it is there for everyone to see. I think the report has been able to satisfy all sections of people,” Sarma told reporters at an event in Sonitpur district.

 

Responding to opposition from certain quarters, the CM said, “Every issue will have some people in favour and some against. This is democracy. All people will not accept something just because I have said it.” On Saturday, students from Bodoland University staged a protest at the BTC secretariat against the cabinet’s approval of the report, vandalising property. Bodos constitute one of Assam’s largest ST communities.

 

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The GoM report proposes a three-tier classification of STs in Assam to accommodate the new demand without affecting existing tribal reservations. It recommends forming a new category, ‘ST (Valley)’, including Ahom, Chutia, Tea Tribes, and Koch-Rajbongshi (excluding undivided Goalpara). Moran, Matak, and Koch-Rajbongshi (Goalpara) are suggested for inclusion in ‘ST (Plains)’. The existing communities in this category are not facing significant opposition, the report noted.

 

The report emphasises continuing dialogue with all stakeholders to reach a conclusive solution. Final approval, however, will require the Parliament to enact a Constitutional amendment. Sarma dismissed concerns over discontent, asserting that differing opinions are a natural part of the democratic process.

 

The cabinet-approved report marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing demands of these communities for ST recognition, which could reshape access to educational and employment opportunities in Assam.