Government to Present Report on Scheduled Tribe Status for Six Indigenous Communities
Upcoming Assembly Session to Address ST Status Demand
Guwahati, Aug 1: In the forthcoming Assembly session scheduled for October-November, the government plans to unveil a comprehensive report regarding the request for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six indigenous groups: Tai Ahom, Moran, Matak, Koch Rajbongshi, Chutia, and Adivasis (Tea Tribes).
This announcement was made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press conference held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur on Friday.
According to the Chief Minister, this report is the result of extensive discussions that have taken place over the last four years.
“The government and the Council of Ministers have engaged in talks with various community representatives, and we have now reached a consensus. This report will be presented to the Assembly, and upon its approval, we will send it to New Delhi,” he stated.
This initiative represents a crucial advancement in the long-standing quest of these six communities for constitutional acknowledgment as Scheduled Tribes.
The Chief Minister noted that the process was initiated through a proposal made previously in the Assembly.
The Central government has also been involved in addressing this matter.
On Thursday, the Centre announced the formation of a reconstituted committee consisting of a group of ministers from Assam, which will engage with community representatives and leaders regarding the ST status.
As per the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, this committee will assess the reservation quota for the six communities.
Additionally, the committee will recommend the reservation levels for these communities and any necessary adjustments to OBC quotas, ensuring the rights of existing STs are safeguarded.
This announcement comes in response to renewed demands from the communities. On Wednesday, members of the Tai Ahom community, led by the All Tai Ahom Students’ Union (ATASU), organized a “Dispur Gherao” rally to urge immediate action on this issue.
In June 2025, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram indicated that the Centre is actively considering the proposal.
“We are reviewing all aspects and are awaiting feedback from the Registrar General of India (RGI),” Oram mentioned, adding that the suggestions from the Assam government are also under consideration.