Syllabus: GS-II & V: Constitutional Provisions

Why in the News?

The Assam Government has tabled the Group of Ministers (GoM) report on granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six major communities—Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasis).
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the report “offends none” and aims to ensure justice for all communities, though protests have been reported from certain tribal organisations.

More About the News

• Assam’s long-standing debate over granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities reached a crucial milestone with the tabling of the Group of Ministers (GoM) report in the State Assembly. 
• The move comes amid renewed political activity, upcoming 2026 elections, ongoing protests from tribal bodies, and concerns regarding the protection of existing ST quotas.
• The demand from Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasis) has been active for decades. 
• These communities argue that inclusion in the ST list is essential for ensuring socio-economic uplift, land protection, and safeguarding identity. 
• The GoM report attempts to provide a balanced, legally sustainable framework that avoids disturbing the reservation benefits of existing ST groups.

Key Recommendation: A Three-Tier ST Classification

To manage competing claims, the GoM proposes a three-tier reservation model, a unique administrative approach aimed at preventing inter-group competition within the ST category.

Proposed Structure

• ST (Hills) — Existing hill tribes (no changes proposed).
  
• ST (Plains) — Existing plains tribes plus Moran, Matak, and Koch-Rajbongshi (Goalpara region).
  
• ST (Valley) — A new category including Ahom, Chutia, Tea Tribes (Adivasis), and Koch-Rajbongshi (non-Goalpara areas).
  

This structure avoids reducing the quota share of current ST communities, addressing their first concern.

Why the Move Matters

Constitutional Framework

• Inclusion in the ST list requires Parliamentary approval via a Constitutional Amendment under Article 342.
  
• State governments can only recommend, not notify.
  

Socio-economic Importance

• The six communities together form nearly 40% of Assam’s population.
  
• Tea Tribes have historically low indicators in literacy, nutrition, landholding, making ST status a tool for uplift.
  
• Groups like Ahoms and Chutias emphasise historical tribal roots, disrupted by centuries of assimilation.
  

Political & Administrative Implications

• Assam’s reservation system influences:
  
  • Employment in APSC and State services
    
  • Political representation
    
  • Land protection under the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886
    
• The proposal also comes at a time when caste census debates and tribal identity politics are intensifying nationwide.
  

Concerns & Protests

The Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA) fears:

• Dilution of existing ST protections
  
• Competition over government jobs and land
  
• Impact on political reservation in the Assembly
  

The student protest in Kokrajhar reflects these anxieties.

The Chief Minister stated that misunderstandings may stem from not reading the report fully, and invited stakeholders for dialogue.

Key Terms Explained

• Scheduled Tribe (ST): Communities recognised under Article 342 as socially & economically disadvantaged.
  
• GoM (Group of Ministers): A committee formed by the Cabinet to examine complex policy issues.
  
• ST (Valley): A newly proposed administrative reservation class unique to Assam.
  
• Constitutional Amendment: Change requiring a special majority of Parliament.
  
• Reservation Classification: Division of benefits within the reservation system to ensure equitable distribution.
  

Conclusion

The GoM report attempts a middle path—granting recognition to six long-demanding communities while protecting the rights of existing tribal groups. The final outcome now depends on Parliament and continued consensus-building, crucial for ensuring both social justice and social harmony in a culturally diverse state like Assam.

Exam Hook

Key Takeaways

• GoM proposes a three-tier ST reservation model — Hill, Plains, Valley.
  
• Includes six major communities without altering existing quota share.
  
• Final approval requires a Constitutional Amendment under Article 342.
  
• Seeks to prevent tribal–non-tribal conflict and ensure equitable justice.
  

Mains Question 

Q. Discuss the constitutional, social, and administrative challenges involved in granting Scheduled Tribe status to multiple communities in Assam. How far does the proposed three-tier model address these concerns?

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