CCTOA Raises Concerns Over ST Status Recommendations in Assam

CCTOA's Meeting with State Minister

Guwahati, Dec 5: During a meeting with Dr. Ranoj Pegu, the State Tribal Affairs Minister, the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations, Assam (CCTOA) voiced its apprehensions regarding specific aspects of the Group of Ministers’ (GoM) report concerning the grant of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities.

Despite their reservations, the tribal organization emphasized that ongoing discussions with the government could lead to resolutions.

In their initial formal engagement with the state government regarding the GoM report, the CCTOA presented its preliminary suggestions and objections. They expressed worries that the proposed modifications might adversely affect the rights and benefits of current tribal groups, who had previously protested by burning copies of the GoM report.

A significant concern raised by the CCTOA was the applicability of the proposed ST(V) category to Central government benefits, including jobs, administrative roles, and educational admissions. They also insisted that the undivided Goalpara district should be excluded from granting ST status to the Koch-Rajbongshi community, arguing that this would protect the tribal population within the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council.

The government reassured that the rights of existing Scheduled Tribes would not be compromised under the proposed framework.

Dr. Pegu, who led the meeting, stated, “Following the Cabinet decision on November 30, 2025, I convened with the CCTOA to discuss the GoM report. We elaborated on the recommendations and measures intended to protect existing ST communities.”

He further mentioned that the CCTOA was encouraged to review ‘chapters five and six’ of the report collectively for better understanding. “After our clarifications, they indicated their intention to establish an expert committee and provide a report within a month,” he added.

Aditya Khaklari, chief coordinator of CCTOA, reiterated the organization’s commitment to the welfare of current tribal communities. “We oppose the proposal as it threatens the existing tribal population of the State, which is already facing numerous challenges. After reviewing the recommendations, we believe that the current tribes could see a reduction in benefits, which is why we burned the report,” he explained.

The tribal organization has also resolved to form a consultative group consisting of tribal intellectuals, legislators, and retired judges. They have requested a discussion at the Chief Minister level, followed by a tripartite meeting involving the Union Home Minister, the Chief Minister of Assam, and the CCTOA.

In light of the ongoing negotiations, all forms of protest have been temporarily halted.

Regarding the Motok community, the CCTOA called for a more robust identification and verification process to determine ST(P) eligibility, asserting that surnames alone are inadequate for establishing identity.

By

Staff Reporter