AATSU Opposes ST Status for Six Communities in Assam

The All Assam Tribal Students’ Union (AATSU) has voiced strong opposition to the Assam government's proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe status to six communities. They argue that this move threatens the rights and protections of existing tribal groups, particularly the Bodo community. The AATSU insists that the new communities do not meet the necessary criteria for ST inclusion and has called for an independent review before any decisions are made. This memorandum highlights the ongoing struggle for tribal rights in Assam and the complexities surrounding socio-economic advancements among different communities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 6, 2025, 12:22 IST

Opposition to Scheduled Tribe Status Proposal

Kokrajhar, Dec 6: The All Assam Tribal Students’ Union (AATSU) has formally presented a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing strong opposition to the State government's initiative to confer Scheduled Tribe (ST) status on six communities: Tai Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, and Tea Tribes.

The AATSU has labeled this initiative as "anti-tribal," cautioning that it poses a risk to the constitutional rights and socio-economic protections currently afforded to the existing ST communities in Assam.

According to the Union, the six communities in question are comparatively advanced in terms of social and economic development, enjoying significant representation in both government and business sectors, which could potentially marginalize smaller indigenous groups, such as the Bodo community.

The memorandum emphasizes that these six communities do not satisfy the Lokur Committee's criteria for ST inclusion, which includes factors like backwardness, unique cultural identity, and geographical isolation. It urges adherence to constitutional and anthropological standards.

Referencing legal mandates and current reservation policies, the AATSU has requested the President to delay the approval for the inclusion of these new groups in the ST list until an independent expert evaluation is conducted, in order to protect the rights of genuinely marginalized tribal communities in Assam.

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