Syllabus: GS II & V: Social Justice, Welfare Schemes, Issues relating to SC/ST, affirmative action.

Why in the News?

A Group of Ministers (GoM) formed by the Assam government to examine the long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by six communities of the state is expected to submit its report in November 2025 during the upcoming Assembly session.

More About the News

• This renewed momentum follows protests by various community groups such as the Moran, who recently launched an economic blockade in Tinsukia demanding early recognition. 
• The six communities — Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, Tai-Ahom, and Tea Tribes (Adivasis) — have been agitating for years, asserting their indigenous status and demanding constitutional recognition as STs.
• The Centre has already received the formal proposal from the Assam government, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has confirmed that the process is under examination. 
• The GoM’s report is expected to pave the way for the next round of discussions with the Union government.

Why These Six Communities Are Demanding ST Status?

• Historical marginalisation and identity assertion: The communities claim ancient roots in Assam and argue that their distinct culture, language, and traditions make them indigenous to the region. 
  • They contend that the absence of ST recognition has left them socio-economically and politically marginalized.
• Socio-economic backwardness: Many of these groups suffer from low literacy, landlessness, poor health indicators, and limited access to education and employment. 
  • They argue that ST status would enable them to access constitutional safeguards and affirmative action benefits.
• Political assurances: Over successive election cycles, promises of granting ST status have been made by both state and central political leaderships. 
  • The continued delay has created frustration and renewed agitation among these groups.
• Symbolic justice and parity: The demand is not merely economic — it is also about identity recognition. Communities argue that ST status would legitimize their cultural identity and bring parity with groups enjoying similar socio-cultural characteristics.
• Grassroots mobilisation: Recent rallies, strikes, and memoranda reflect the growing urgency among these communities. The issue has become a focal point in Assam’s socio-political discourse.
  

Process of Inclusion in the ST List

The inclusion of any community in the Scheduled Tribe list is governed by constitutional and administrative procedures involving multiple authorities to ensure legitimacy and scientific validation.

• Proposal by the State Government: The process begins when the concerned State Government identifies a community and submits a detailed ethnographic, socio-economic, and anthropological report to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Examination by the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI): The proposal is scrutinised by the ORGI, which verifies data, social indicators, and historical claims of tribal characteristics such as geographical isolation, distinctive culture, and backwardness.
  • If ORGI approves the proposal, it is then forwarded to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) for review.
• Recommendation by NCST: The NCST provides its recommendation after examining the socio-cultural distinctiveness and degree of backwardness of the community.
• Cabinet Approval & Constitutional Amendment: Upon NCST’s concurrence, the proposal is sent to the Union Cabinet for approval. 
  • Once cleared, the government introduces a Constitution (ST) Order (Amendment) Bill in Parliament to formally include the community in the ST list under Article 342(2) of the Constitution.
• Notification: After the Bill’s passage, the amendment is notified in the Gazette of India, granting legal ST status to the community.
  

This meticulous process ensures objectivity but often leads to delays due to overlapping evaluations and bureaucratic hurdles.

State Government’s Stand and Recent Developments

The Assam government has reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue positively while maintaining social harmony. The GoM, headed by senior ministers, is finalising data on population distribution, social indicators, and potential impacts on existing ST groups.

The Chief Minister has stated that the government will approach the Centre with a “positive mindset,” emphasizing that the rights and privileges of existing Scheduled Tribes will not be diluted.

However, opposition parties and community leaders accuse the government of delaying the process for political convenience. The Centre, through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has confirmed that it is “actively considering” the proposal but awaits the GoM’s final report for further action.

Ethnic Composition of Assam

• Assam’s population represents a complex mosaic of tribes, ethnicities, and linguistic communities. 
• As per Census 2011, STs (Plains and Hills combined) make up about 13% of the state’s population, with Bodo being the largest ST group (around 40% of the ST population).
• Other major tribal groups include Mising (2nd  largest ST group), Karbi, Deori, Rabha, Tiwa, and Sonowal Kachari. 
• The six communities seeking ST status currently fall under Other Backward Classes (OBC) or advanced groups, though they share several socio-cultural features with existing STs.
• The Tea Tribes (Adivasis) — descendants of indentured labourers brought by the British — remain one of the largest socio-economically disadvantaged groups, with their demand for ST status being among the oldest and most politically mobilised.

Way Forward

• Data transparency and scientific validation: The GoM must publish a transparent, data-backed ethnographic study to ensure credibility and avoid legal challenges.
• Dialogue with existing ST communities: Engage in structured dialogue to address concerns of dilution of reservation benefits and inter-community friction.
• Phased inclusion approach: The government may explore a phased or category-wise inclusion, ensuring social balance and avoiding quota inflation.
• Safeguards through autonomous institutions: Strengthen and empower existing Autonomous Councils (such as Moran, Matak, and Koch-Rajbongshi councils) to provide interim development support.
• Legislative time-bound action: Once consensus is achieved, the state should expedite the constitutional amendment proposal to avoid prolonged uncertainty.
• Public awareness and consultation: Create forums for inclusive public debate and local consultations to reduce misinformation and political polarisation.
  

Conclusion

The demand for ST status by the six communities of Assam embodies a deeper struggle for recognition, equality, and cultural justice. While the constitutional process ensures rigor and fairness, prolonged delays risk deepening social tensions.

Balancing the aspirations of these communities with the protection of existing ST rights will require data-driven decision-making, transparent governance, and sincere political will. The outcome will not only reshape Assam’s socio-political landscape but also serve as a national benchmark in managing identity-based affirmative action.

Mains Question (250 words)

“The demand for Scheduled Tribe status by six communities of Assam represents both an aspiration for justice and a challenge for balance. Discuss the constitutional, social, and political dimensions of this issue and suggest a way forward that safeguards inclusivity and equity.”

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