Adivasi Students' Association Urges Government for Immediate Action in Assam

The All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging immediate action on various issues affecting Adivasi communities. Key demands include granting scheduled tribe status, increasing wages for tea garden workers, and ensuring land rights for families living in tea gardens. The association also calls for better representation of Adivasi teachers in schools and recognition of traditional attire in educational institutions. This memorandum highlights the need for the government to address these longstanding concerns to improve the welfare and rights of Adivasi populations in Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 10:51 IST

AASAA Submits Memorandum to Chief Minister

A file image of tea garden workers in Assam. (Photo: @ExecutivePinX/ X)

Dibrugarh, June 18: The district chapter of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) presented a memorandum to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma via the district administration on Wednesday, emphasizing several longstanding issues impacting the Adivasi communities in the state and calling for their prompt resolution.

In their memorandum, AASAA urged the state government to implement tangible measures aimed at enhancing the welfare, educational opportunities, social justice, and economic progress of the Adivasi population, which has significantly contributed to Assam’s development, especially in the tea and agricultural sectors.

One of the primary demands from the student organization was the long-overdue request for scheduled tribe (ST) status for the Adivasi communities in Assam. The association pointed out that this demand has been pending for decades and urged the state government to actively engage with the central government on this matter.

AASAA argued that obtaining scheduled tribe recognition would offer constitutional protections, better access to education, enhanced socio-economic prospects, and fair representation for historically marginalized groups.

Another critical issue raised in the memorandum was the plight of tea garden workers. AASAA called for an increase in the daily wage for tea garden laborers to Rs 551, asserting that the current wage is inadequate given the rising cost of living.

The organization emphasized that tea workers are essential to Assam’s esteemed tea industry and deserve a dignified standard of living.

Additionally, the association advocated for the issuance of land pattas to Adivasi families living in tea gardens, revenue villages, and forest villages throughout the state. They highlighted that many families have occupied the same land for generations without legal ownership, making them susceptible to displacement. AASAA demanded the immediate provision of land titles to all qualifying families.

Addressing administrative challenges faced by community members, the memorandum requested effective enforcement of government notifications regarding the issuance of OBC certificates in original tribal names.

The association claimed that despite official guidelines, numerous eligible individuals still encounter obstacles in acquiring certificates reflecting their tribal identities at the local level.

In the realm of education, AASAA called for the hiring and placement of Adivasi TET-qualified teachers in schools with a significant Adivasi student demographic, particularly in tea garden model schools.

The organization contended that increased representation of Adivasi educators would better address linguistic and cultural needs while fostering inclusive and high-quality education.

Furthermore, the memorandum requested formal recognition of Adivasi traditional attire in educational settings. AASAA urged the government to allow students to wear their traditional clothing as recognized uniforms on specific days in schools.