Assam Government to Submit Memorandum for Tribal Status of Six Communities

The Assam government is preparing to submit a memorandum to the Central government regarding the demand for tribal status for six communities. Minister Ranoj Pegu emphasized the importance of ensuring that this process does not negatively impact existing groups. The government has conducted a thorough assessment and is finalizing the report, which will address key factors such as reservation percentages and the implications of removing these communities from the OBC category. Pegu stressed that this issue should not be politicized and aims for a fair and sustainable solution. The report is expected to be submitted before the upcoming elections, with the government committed to social justice and balance within the reservation system.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 9, 2026, 18:59 IST

Assam's Initiative for Tribal Status

Guwahati, Jan 9: The Assam government is preparing to present a memorandum to the Central government regarding the long-standing request for tribal status for six specific communities. Assam Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu emphasized on Friday that the aim is to ensure that this process does not negatively impact any existing groups.

Pegu elaborated that the directive from the Centre was to explore how these six communities could be recognized as tribal without harming other communities or disrupting the current reservation system.

The state has conducted a thorough evaluation and is now finalizing the memorandum to be submitted to the Union Home Ministry in New Delhi.

"We will soon send the memorandum to the Central government in Delhi. The instructions we received were clear, focusing on how to grant tribal status to these communities without causing harm to them or others," Pegu stated.

He noted that the government assessed three key factors before completing the report: the amount of reservation to be allocated, the consequences of removing these six communities from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, and the adjusted reservation percentage for the remaining communities still classified under OBC after this change.

"These six communities currently belong to the OBC category. Once they are removed, we needed to carefully evaluate the reservation percentage for the remaining communities in that category. We have analyzed all these factors and prepared the memorandum accordingly," he explained.

Pegu stressed that this matter is a "long-term legacy issue" and should not be politicized or used as an election tool.

"This is not something that should be politicized or turned into an election issue. We need a proper and lasting solution, and we are diligently working towards that through a structured and institutional approach," he added.

The minister clarified that there are no new proposals or significant changes in the report, stating that the government has only rectified factual or numerical errors where necessary.

"There are no new recommendations or amendments. However, we have corrected any inaccuracies in facts or figures," he mentioned.

For instance, Pegu pointed out a minor mistake concerning the Matak community that has now been addressed.

"There was a small error regarding the Matak community, which we have corrected. Following this adjustment, the report will be submitted to the Home Ministry," he noted.

The minister also indicated that the report on the tribal classification of the six communities is anticipated to be formally submitted just prior to the upcoming elections. He assured that the timing is procedural and should not be interpreted as politically motivated.

Reiterating the government's commitment, Pegu stated that the goal is to ensure social justice while maintaining equilibrium within the reservation framework. "This is about achieving a solution that is fair, constitutional, and sustainable. We are confident that the process we are undertaking will yield a meaningful outcome," he concluded.

The push for tribal status for these six communities has been a sensitive and longstanding issue in Assam, carrying significant social and political ramifications.