Syllabus: GS-II & V: Constitution

Why in the News?

The clamour for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by six major communities of Assam — Tai Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi, Moran, Motok, Chutia, and Tea Tribes (Adivasis) — has intensified ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Simultaneously, organizations representing existing ST communities have voiced strong opposition, citing fears of losing reservation benefits and political representation.

Background and Context:

The demand for inclusion of these six communities in the ST list has been a long-standing political and social issue in Assam. These groups claim shared indigenous roots and socio-economic backwardness comparable to existing tribal groups. However, inclusion under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019, has been delayed, pending the final recommendation of Assam’s Group of Ministers (GoM).

The GoM, led by Assam’s Chief Minister, has held extensive consultations with all stakeholders and is expected to submit its report soon. The report will then be forwarded to the Central Government, which, after concurrence from the Registrar General of India (RGI) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), will move to amend the Constitution (ST) Order.

Communities Seeking ST Status:

• Tai Ahom – Descendants of the Ahom dynasty, culturally dominant but economically backward in certain areas.
• Koch-Rajbongshi – Spread across lower Assam, claim historical tribal roots.
• Moran and Motok – Small indigenous groups primarily in upper Assam.
• Chutia – Historically significant but marginalized in modern socio-economic structures.
• Tea Tribes/Adivasis – Migrant labour descendants, socio-economically deprived.

Concerns of Existing ST Communities:

• Fear of Dilution: Inclusion of large and relatively advanced groups could shrink opportunities in education and employment for smaller tribes.
• Political Marginalization: Expansion of ST status may alter representation in Autonomous Councils and reserved constituencies, affecting the power dynamics of existing tribal councils.
• Resource Competition: Sharing benefits under tribal welfare schemes could reduce per-capita assistance to smaller ST groups.

Despite these concerns, several tribal bodies have maintained that they are not opposed to inclusion “if their existing rights are protected.”

Legal and Procedural Hurdles:

As per the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, inclusion in the ST list requires:

• State Government Recommendation with ethnographic justification.
• Verification by the Registrar General of India.
• Concurrence from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
• Parliamentary Approval through an Amendment Bill.

Given this multi-stage process, experts believe passing the 2019 Bill before the 2026 elections is unlikely unless fast-tracked after GoM submission.

Criteria for Inclusion in Scheduled Tribe List

The Lokur Committee (1965) laid down the broad parameters for identifying a community as a Scheduled Tribe. These are still followed today:

• Primitive Traits – Distinct cultural and social identity with traditional practices.
• Distinctive Culture – Unique language, customs, and religious beliefs.
• Geographical Isolation – Concentrated habitation in remote or less accessible areas.
• Shyness of Contact – Minimal interaction with the mainstream population.
• Backwardness – Socio-economic and educational deprivation compared to others.

These criteria are not codified in law but serve as guidelines for both state and central governments while proposing amendments to the ST list under Article 342.

Legal and Constitutional Provisions for the Protection of STs and SCs:

• Article 46:
  • Directs the State to promote educational and economic interests of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
• Article 15(4) & Article 16(4):
  • Allow the State to make special provisions for advancement and reservation in education and employment for SCs and STs.
• Article 338 & 338A:
  • Establish the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to monitor safeguards and recommend welfare measures.
• Article 342:
  • Empowers the President of India to notify the Scheduled Tribes after consulting the Governor of the concerned state.
• Fifth and Sixth Schedules:
  • Provide autonomous administrative and governance structures for tribal-dominated regions — including Autonomous District Councils in Assam and other northeastern states.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006:
  • Recognizes forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes’ rights to land, minor forest produce, and community resources.
• Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989:
  • Provides protection against discrimination, violence, and exploitation of SCs and STs.

Important Committees on Scheduled Tribes:

Socio-Political Implications:

• Ethnic Polarization: Continuous protests and counter-rallies risk deepening ethnic divides among indigenous groups.
• Autonomous Council Tensions: Overlap of existing ST and aspiring ST populations may spark contestation over local governance and resource control.
• Demographic Concerns: Unchecked migration and land encroachment by immigrant settlers, especially from Bangladesh, further complicate identity politics in the state.

The Chief Minister’s call for restraint and dialogue highlights the need for a consensus-driven approach that balances aspirations with safeguards.

Way Forward

• Balanced Reservation Framework: Increase reserved seats in the State Assembly and Parliament proportional to expanded ST inclusion.
• Tiered Protection: Consider sub-categorization of STs to protect smaller and more vulnerable groups.
• Comprehensive Ethnographic Study: To ensure inclusion is evidence-based and not politically motivated.
• Dialogue-Based Resolution: Encourage consensus among indigenous organizations to prevent social fragmentation.

Key Takeaways

• The ST status demand reflects identity assertion and developmental aspiration among Assam’s indigenous communities.
• Inclusion must be guided by constitutional prudence, ethnographic data, and social equity.
• Protecting existing ST entitlements while addressing the legitimate grievances of unrecognized groups is crucial for lasting harmony.

Exam Hook – Mains Question:

Q. The demand for Scheduled Tribe status by six communities in Assam has stirred a complex socio-political debate. Discuss the challenges and suggest measures for an inclusive and equitable resolution.

One-line Wrap:

The quest for Scheduled Tribe status in Assam is more than a fight for reservation — it’s a quest for recognition, dignity, and balance in a diverse and fragile social fabric.

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