Adivasi Community in Assam Demands Permanent ST Status Amidst Political Promises

The Adivasi community in Assam is amplifying its demands for permanent Scheduled Tribe (ST) status following the Centre's clarification on interim status. The All Assam Adivasi Students’ Association (AASA) has expressed distrust towards the BJP-led government, warning of electoral repercussions if their demands are not met. A significant procession was held in Sonitpur, where leaders reiterated past promises made by political figures. The community is calling for immediate action and a commitment to their rights as the government reconstitutes a committee to address ST status for various groups. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights within Assam's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2025, 21:09 IST

Adivasi Community's Call for Action

Sonitpur, Aug 9: Following the Centre's recent clarification that no constitutional provision exists for granting interim Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, the Adivasi community in Assam has ramped up its demands for a lasting resolution to their issues.

The All Assam Adivasi Students’ Association (AASA) has voiced significant skepticism towards the BJP-led state government, claiming it has consistently overlooked their grievances despite numerous assurances.

During the World Indigenous Day celebrations in Sonitpur on Saturday, AASA leaders cautioned the ruling party about potential repercussions in the forthcoming elections if their requests are not addressed.

“If we do not receive the caste certificates before the Bodoland Territorial Council elections, we warn the BJP that we will drive them out,” stated Deven Orang, the newly appointed editor of the AASA Central Committee.

The association criticized the BJP for leveraging promises as a political tactic, only to abandon them once in office. AASA Vice-President Amarjeet Keraketa urged political entities to avoid politicizing Adivasi matters.

“This time, we don’t want ‘scheme politics’ from the chief minister. He is exploiting our community’s vulnerabilities for political advantage,” Keraketa remarked.

The AASA recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 commitment in Kokrajhar to grant ST status to Adivasis within six months of the BJP taking power in Assam. They also referenced Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s 2019 assertion at the Adivasi Mahasabha in Tinsukia that 90% of the work to confer ST status was completed, with only 10% remaining.

On August 1, the Centre announced the reconstitution of a ministerial committee in Assam to engage with representatives from various communities regarding the ST status for six groups — Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, Tai-Ahom, and Tea Tribes.

This committee is responsible for determining the reservation levels for these communities and recommending adjustments for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) following the establishment of the new ST category. It will also suggest measures to protect the rights and privileges of existing ST groups in Assam.

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey confirmed in the Lok Sabha, in response to questions from Congress MPs Rakibul Hussain and Pradyut Bordoloi, that the committee has conducted several discussions and is now reformed to continue its efforts.

Earlier on Saturday, a significant procession with over a thousand Adivasi participants took place in Sonitpur, culminating in a gathering at the Trimurti Auditorium where AASA leaders addressed the crowd.